Zoning Board of Review Grants DiMare Seafood Seating for 44

No one got exactly what they wanted as the Zoning Board of Review voted 4-1 Tuesday night to allow total seating capacity of 44 for DiMare Seafood Marketplace at 2706 South County Trail. That number is tied to a requirement of a lease for 18 additional parking spaces at 2750 South County Trail. DiMare owner Katie LaBore has a lease agreement for that property which is ready to be signed.

After a long hearing during which some customers and business neighbors offered their support and nearby residents and an adjacent property owner objected, LaBore reduced her original request for 64 seats to 44 when it became obvious the board members would not approve the larger number.

LaBore had asked for inside seating for 50 and additional seating for 14 on a deck in front of the building. The seating for 44 is total seating for both areas.

The request for a dimensional variance had been continued from three previous meetings as LaBore sought parking for the additional seating she was requesting. Last month a proposal for valet parking, using a lot across from her property on the other side of South County Trail generated a cool board response.

The lot that is included in the approved proposal is some 550 feet away from the restaurant, but is on the same side of the street and there is a sidewalk. LaBore plans to use a valet service which already does work for several East Greenwich restaurants.

LaBore said she needs the additional parking at Christmas, Lent and weekends between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. An exact schedule will be worked out with the Planning Department. 

When LaBore presented her original proposal based on 64 seats, Board Chairman Joseph Russalino said he felt it was like trying to put 10 pounds of sugar in a 5-pound sack and he envisioned major chaos. Board member Joe Zenga first offered a motion to deny the request, but made the motion to approve when the numbers were lowered.

During the discussion LaBore repeated comments made at previous meetings that without a zoning relief she would have to close the business.

In other business the Board approved a dimensional variance requested by Mark Shovelin of Pasack Builders for a site across from Spring Valley Drive on Middle Road. Shovelin owns land reaching back into that area, including the former American Industrial Casting factory site. He has long-range plans for two office buildings and nine industrial condominiums in three buildings. The area is already zoned light industry / office, but the variance was needed to accommodate parking.