The small town historic charm on the working waterfront that is dear to all of us who choose to visit, work and live in Bristol is in danger of being lost forever.

The proposed new building by Belvedere Bristol of New York, N.Y., for Thames and State streets, will tower over and dominate the entire historic district due to incredible mass and height. The waterfront will begin to look like Newport, and so the loss of our cultural heritage begins.

Private citizens and companies in Bristol are spending millions of dollars on historic preservation and reuse of historic properties in that area by embracing the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation at a great cost to them.

Historic preservation is bringing vibrant renewal to the unspoiled historical working waterfront and its unique character. It is attracting a large increase in new businesses and tourism dollars to our picturesque, quaint town.
We should all be able to rely on the zoning ordinances duly adopted by the town to protect the waterfront. The zoning ordinances provide safeguards against spoiling the character of the area.

We welcome new development that is in compliance with the zoning ordinances. Unfortunately, Belvedere Bristol, while able to develop a building within the zoning ordinances, is seeking many variances. Most of them, especially the extreme height and lot set-backs of the massive building, will cause great negative impact to the neighborhood. The height and lot set-backs must not be allowed to go beyond the zoning requirements.

According to Title 45, Chapter 45-24, the town boards must require evidence thatthe granted variances will not alter the general character of the surrounding area OR impair the intent or purpose of the zoning ordinance or the Comprehensive Plan AND that the relief to be granted is the least relief necessary. Although the town allowed for many variances for this developer on this lot in 2007, fortunately, the development did not happen and the variances expired. A lot has changed in Bristol since 2007. 

The Rhode Island Supreme Court also decided proof that there is no useful purpose of a property without granting variances must accompany a decision to grant variances.

“The fact that a use may be more profitable or that a structure may be more valuable after the relief is granted is not grounds for relief.”
– RIGL Zoning Ordinances Chapter 45-24 §45-24-41

The Historic District Commission will meet tonight, March 1, at 7 p.m. to hear from the public. The Bristol Planning Board will meet March 8 at 7 p.m., for a public hearing.

We need all people who care about the character of the historic working waterfront to attend the public hearings and support that the town zoning ordinances be upheld by the boards and commissions.

It is my hope that the town’s boards, commissions and council do their jobs and hold any development on the waterfront to the zoning ordinances as adopted.

Marianne Bergenholtz
366 Hope St., Bristol