Apartment Complex Proposed for 60 Crompton Avenue

After sitting dormant for a couple of years, the building under construction at 60 Crompton Avenue has a new owner and perhaps a new purpose. The owner is seeking to change the zoning from commercial to residential in order to put in 17 condominiums.

The building - overlooking Greenwich Cove, next to the sewage treatment plant, the transfer station and the town boat launch - was originally designed as office space. Construction stalled and the unfinished building sat.

Now owned by East Greenwich Acquisition, LLC, it was once the location of Moody Tools, a small manufacturing company.

The Town Council heard a first reading and introduction of the ordinance at its meeting last week. They referred the proposal to the Planning Board for a recommendation and will hold a public hearing on the proposed change at their meeting August 22.

John Mancini, an attorney representing the property owners, said that due to the economy, the office space market across the state is in dismal shape, but that there is a great need for affordable residential rentals.

He said his clients have done enough research to determine there is interest in residential units, but more importantly there is willingness to finance the project.

The shell of the building has been completed, and with the change of zoning work would begin on completing the interior into 17 mostly two-bedroom apartments.

Mancini said the owners would like to see the project up and running by the end of the year.