Neighbors vow to stop Salve dorm plan

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Some neighbors of Salve Regina University are threatening to sue the school if it moves forward with plans to reopen a dorm in their neighborhood.

The Newport university used Conley Hall as a dorm from 1969 until 2003, and recently announced plans to house up to 50 students in the facility.

School officials met with neighbors this week to address the concerns, but could not sway some residents worried about noise and increased traffic. Neighbor Jennifer Taylor remembers the days when students disturbed her family and left bottles and trash strewn on her street.

Attorney R. Daniel Prentiss says he has been hired by several neighbors to take legal action against the university if necessary.

The Tudor-style mansion built 1889 is zoned for use as a dorm. Gerald Willis, Salve's associate dean of students, assured residents that students will be considerate neighbors.