Council OKs zoning change, paving way for Cranston Top Golf facility

January 29, 2019 12:51 am

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — By a 9-0 vote, the Cranston City Council put its stamp of approval on the proposal to bring a Top Golf facility to Cranston. Specifically, the Council voted to change zoning rules to allow for 176-foot-tall poles for protective netting on the site, which sits on the vacant former Citizens Bank headquarters.

“It’s rare when you get a 9-0 vote unanimous,” said Kelly Coates of the Carpionato Group, which is developing the Top Golf facility. “I think that speaks to the merits of the project.”

Residents voiced strong opinions on both sides prior to that vote.

“This is not justice for all. This is justice for business. Cranston is open for business, but it’s not open to its residents,” said Tom Wojick of Cranston.

“I think we have a hell of an opportunity right now to bring a very high-quality organization into the area, and to take up that vacant land that’s doing nothing,” said Justin Wilbur of Cranston.

The Top Golf facility is estimated to bring in $1.4 million in yearly tax revenue as well as 450 jobs–150 of them full-time.

Opponents worry Top Golf’s biggest impacts won’t be positive.

“I think probably traffic,” said Pauline DeRosa, founder of the Garden City Alliance. “We believe that will be a problem. Lighting, crowds, and actually noise, noise pollution.”

But the Carpionato Group says they’re excited about the support they’ve gotten.

“I think the majority has spoken. there are always going to be people who are concerned and nervous about change, but i think there’s been a groundswell of support for the project,” said Coates.

If all goes to plan, the Top Golf facility is expected to open by the beginning of 2021.