BankNewport To Open Branch In East Greenwich

Banks are a booming business here in East Greenwich. With the announcement Tuesday that BankNewport is  opening a branch at 1000 Division St. this fall, there are three financial institutions in various phases of construction in town.

’s branch across from Benny’s on Post Road is scheduled to open this spring. And just down the street, has renovation plans for the former Bay Buick auto dealership.

Town Planner Lisa Bourbonais said all the zoning approvals for BankNewport were granted some two years ago after a lengthy process, and she notified the bank at that time they were ready to go.

The 3,000-square-foot branch will be located on the Northeast corner of the property, with Panera Bread on the south and McDonalds to the west.   It is described as a full service branch that will include two drive-up banking lanes and a drive-up ATM.

“We are excited about the opening of our newest branch location,” said BankNewport President and CEO Thomas Kelly.  “BankNewport has enjoyed a solid reputation of serving our mortgage and commercial loan customers in the East Greenwich area for many years.  We look forward to continuing our role as a true community partner and neighbor to the residents and businesses of East Greenwich and the West Bay.”

Town Building Official Wayne Pimental said plans have just been submitted for the soil erosion control permit, which is a starting point to do some work to get the site pad prepped and ready.  That is being done by shopping plaza owners Edans and Avant.  After that BankNewport will come in with its’ contractors to secure the building permit. 

Right now they are looking to get the site prepped, asphalt removed, some of the utility work done over the next month or two and then start the permitting.  At this time no plans have been submitted to the town for the building.

This will be BankNewport’s 13^th location.  Other branches are in North Kingstown, Narragansett and throughout Newport and Bristol counties.

Savory Grape store owner Jessica Granatiero, on the other side of the plaza, said she  is pleased to see that BankNewport has chosen East Greenwich.  She thinks it is a good location, convenient for residents of the town, centrally located in the state, and a quality business that will add to the town’s tax base.