Wickford Marketplace Closed, Ice Cream To Stay

One Wickford business will not be making it through the 2011 summer season. formerly Ryan's Market, has closed down as of noon today.

The closure follows a decision from the state board of appeals denying a variance that would allow the marketplace to keep tables and chairs on the patio. In accordance with the town’s regulations, Wickford Marketplace could not keep the seating there without offering a public restroom.

“We were having a tough go of it anyway,” said Paul Conforti, head of Ocean State Job Lot’s restaurant division which runs Wickford Marketplace. “That was just another thing piled on top of it.”

Marketplace employees were notified this morning of the closure. Though locals seeking chicken salad, pajamas or Styrofoam surfboards will have to go elsewhere, the marketplace’s Inside Scoop will remain open throughout the summer.

“I thinking closing the marketplace is going to have serious effects on the harbor traffic,” said Michael Earnheart of The Clean Bedroom. “Having a general store close is going to be a huge negative to the town."

Conforti appeared before the North Kingstown Town Council Monday following the state’s decision, in which councilmember Charles Stamm gave an “impassioned” testimony against the appeal, according to Conforti.

“You said some serious things about Wickford Marketplace not wanting to play by the rules,” said Conforti at Monday’s meeting. “We believe it influenced the decision of the board of appeals.”

The battle began last season just after the marketplace opened in June 20 when the town notified them that the patio seating would have to go. After the town shot down appeals for the variance, Conforti then went to the state.

“[The town] just appears to be incredibly focused on the rules and regulations and not the big picture of what will help Wickford be successful,” said Conforti.

According to Town Council President Elizabeth Dolan, allowing the variance could have led to a slippery slope for the town.

“We can’t play favorites and pick and choose,” said Dolan. “We have to be uniform and everybody that comes in has to understand the rules and play by them.”

Conforti says he is looking for parties interested in renting or leasing the space. Prior to Wickford Marketplace’s opening last year, the building had sat vacant for nearly two years after the closing of longtime grocery store Ryan’s Market.

“It’s going to be a big hole in town,” said Shannon Kucera of . “It’s so sad. We’re so devastated. Everybody is. I can’t believe it’s happening.”