Newport Council approves amendments to Coggeshall School housing proposal after community concerns

In the heart of Newport's city hall, council members gathered on April 9, 2025, to deliberate on pressing issues that could shape the community's future. The meeting was marked by a significant discussion surrounding the redevelopment of the Cogtail School property, a project that has sparked both hope and concern among residents.

The council reviewed proposed amendments to the purchase and sale agreement for the property, which aims to transform the site into housing units. Councilor Sy led the charge, advocating for amendments that would clarify the timeline for deed restrictions and ensure that rent caps would be enforced for a decade after occupancy. The council unanimously approved these amendments, signaling a step forward in the redevelopment process.

However, the meeting took a turn as residents voiced their apprehensions. Vince Hayne, a local resident, expressed strong opposition to the current proposal, arguing that the addition of three new buildings would encroach on precious open space in the neighborhood. He highlighted discrepancies between the original request for proposals (RFP) and the current plan, which he felt compromised the integrity of the bidding process. Other residents echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for affordable housing that genuinely serves the community's needs.

The council members grappled with the implications of the proposed housing project, weighing the urgent demand for housing against the potential loss of green space and the long-term effects on the neighborhood. Councilor Bennett raised concerns about the 10-year cap on market rents, drawing parallels to rising housing costs in nearby areas and questioning the sustainability of such a plan.

As the discussions unfolded, the council also addressed the broader context of Newport's housing crisis. The city has been under pressure to provide more affordable housing options, a challenge underscored by a recent study indicating a significant gap in housing availability for middle-income residents. The council recognized the need for a balanced approach that considers both development and community preservation.

In a pivotal moment, Councilor Napolitano proposed a motion to continue the discussion, citing the importance of thorough deliberation given the weight of the decisions at hand. However, the motion ultimately failed, allowing the council to proceed with the vote on the purchase and sale agreement.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council approved the agreement with a vote of 4 to 2, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Cogtail School property. While the decision brings the promise of new housing, it also leaves lingering questions about the balance between development and community needs, a theme that will undoubtedly continue to resonate in Newport's ongoing dialogue about its future.