Zoning Flap Over The Breakers Heads to Supreme Court

NEWPORT, RI — Cornelius Vanderbilt II's summer cottage has become the focus of a drawn out zoning dispute that could ultimately be decided by the state Supreme Court.

The court is expected to hear arguments this week in not one -- but two -- lawsuits connected to the Preservation Society of Newport County's plan to build a welcome center -- with restrooms, a ticket office and space to sell sandwiches and snacks -- on the grounds of the National Historic Landmark.

Although the plan was originally shot down by the Historical Commission, the Zoning Board of Review overturned that decision. Meanwhile, a lawyer for the Bellevue-Ochre Point Neighborhood Association, which includes neighbors opposed to the plan, filed an appeal.

The appeal wound up back before the zoning board, but ultimately, the local zoning board went ahead and granted a special use permit to build the $4.2 million visitors center and sell food there.

That decision was appealed to Superior Court.

The Breakers was built between 1893 and 1895.