PROVIDENCE – A proposal for a six-story apartment building on Gano Street in Fox Point has drawn criticism from area residents, and some officials, for its proposed size.
The development, sought by HV Collins Co. for a site that extends from 99 to 101 Gano St., would involve 83 apartments set over a first-floor parking area.
The applicant will need a dimensional variance from the Providence City Plan Commission for the project to move forward. The current zoning is C-2, which allows multifamily development, but the height of the structure exceeds the allowed limit. The proposal is for a 68-foot-tall structure.
The current maximum is 50 feet and four stories.
Complicating the site plan is the presence of the Seekonk River, which runs along the back of the site. The developer argued the proposal meets the comprehensive plan, by providing needed housing.
The commission did not take action in its meeting.
Critics, including several commission members and city residents who spoke at a public hearing, said the proposed building is too big.
“It is too big. It’s in a flood zone,” said Harrison Bilodeau, a commission member. “You’re asking for exceptions that personally I don’t think should be granted.”
Said Sharon Steele, a resident of the Jewelry District who spoke at the public hearing: “Twenty percent of the property is in a flood plain. It is not our job to provide economic relief to a developer.”
Mary MacDonald is a staff writer for the PBN. Contact her at macdonald@pbn.com.
