Newport City Council allocates $800K for Florence Gray Center from pandemic recovery funds

In a significant meeting on December 11, 2024, the Newport City Council discussed key initiatives aimed at enhancing community resources and governance. A major highlight was the allocation of $799,000 for architectural services related to the Florence Gray Center, a collaborative project with the Town of Middletown. This funding is part of a larger $2.9 million grant from the Pandemic Recovery Program, which aims to support both communities through shared resources.

The Florence Gray Center will serve as a municipal learning center, focusing on workforce retraining and various community initiatives. The Newport Housing Authority owns the center, but Newport City will act as the fiscal agent, ensuring compliance with federal funding requirements. This partnership underscores a commitment to improving local services and addressing community needs through collaborative efforts.

Additionally, the council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional conduct among its members. A resolution was passed to ensure that all council requests for staff actions go through the city manager, reinforcing the city’s charter and promoting respect within the council. This move aims to streamline operations and prevent any potential overreach by council members into administrative functions.

The meeting also acknowledged the appointment of Michael Carullo as the new deputy city manager, marking a step forward in the city’s administrative leadership. As the council continues to navigate its responsibilities, these discussions reflect a focus on enhancing community services and maintaining effective governance practices.

Overall, the outcomes of this meeting are poised to have a lasting impact on Newport and Middletown, fostering collaboration and ensuring that local governance remains responsive to the needs of residents.