Cumberland, Rhode Island — Would you want a family living above your shop? This could be the reality for one Rhode Island, U.S. business as the local council has granted permission for a developer to create a residential space over a garage space authorized for auto repair.
The move went against the recommendation of the Planning Board and Planning Department–and general good sense. Councilor Bob Shaw said he attended the meeting in which the final decision was made and found no convincing evidence that a residential property should not be built. In other words, he’s never stepped foot in a bodyshop.
One of the attorneys on the case held the stance that there are greater “hazards” above residential properties like restaurants or bars, which propose the risk of a fire.
Councilor Lisa Beaulieu argued back that the issue of mixed auto repair and residential is something the town “can’t ignore,” as it goes beyond chemical safety issues. She maintained the stance that mixed-use residential does not fit, in this case,
The council then voted 6-1 in favour of the residential property license, with Beaulieu in the minority.
So…would you be in favour of hosting a residential property above your production floor?
