By Paul Davis
CRANSTON, R.I. -- Siding with upset neighbors, the City Council Thursday unanimously rejected a zoning change sought by a developer who wanted to build upscale apartments in Western Cranston.
Michael A. Voccola, vice president of the Procaccianti Group, said his company's plan for 192 apartments, a clubhouse and a "resort-style" pool on 15 acres made economic sense for Cranston.
The Lodges at Phenix Glen would create new jobs and generate $500,000 in tax revenue for the struggling city, he said.
But some council members said the project was too big, did not conform with the city's comprehensive plan and would increase traffic on already-congested roads, including Phenix and Natick Avenues.