Popular wedding venue closes abruptly due to zoning issues

July 26, 2017 8:24 pm

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Soon-to-be-wed couples are dealing with sudden changes as the historic reception venue Stone House was forced to close its doors suddenly amidst a zoning battle.

Sixteen brides are seeking alternative arrangements now that the Little Compton venue has been ordered by Superior Court Judge Brian Van Couyghen not to hold special events for zoning and usage violations brought by the town last week.

These violations involved noise complaints and parking, according to the venue’s attorney Kevin Vendituoli, who responded by saying that police readings did not find noise violations, and that seven zoning opinions found the venue’s parking to be in compliance, with the last opinion dated September 2016.

ABC6 News spoke to residents nearby the venue, who said they were frustrated with the amount of noise coming from frequent weddings.

Last year, the number of events to be held were limited for two Little Compton venues — Stone House and Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. Last month, a bill passed that effectively allows Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard to continue to hold concerts and weddings by limiting towns’ abilities to restrict a farm’s activities on their land.

At least one Stone House wedding is expected to be re-accommodated at the vineyard.

According to Judge Van Couyghen, the inn was denied a stay with the Supreme Court on Friday, but is also seeking zoning relief in regards to the parking order.

"We’re pretty confident there’s a mistake somewhere," Vendituoli said. "I think [the town] wanted to limit the number of events, not shut down the business, but then the judge latched on to this barely argued theory and effectively closed our doors as a result."

Depending on how long it takes to transfer insurance, vendors and other wedding details to other venues, the judge’s order could cost the venue "well more than tens of thousands of dollars," Vendituoli said.

"We are working tirelessly to make sure all the brides are taken care of and have alternative venues," Vendituoli said Wednesday evening.