[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6579059,"mediaKeyId","3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c","parentId",3105010,"title","Council Awards Roadway, Harbor and Florence Grama Contracts; Total Construction Work Noted","audioSeconds",661,"startMs",6022000,"endMs",6683000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c&start=6022&end=6683","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c/thumbnail_6022000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6579059/Rhode-Island/Council-Awards-Roadway-Harbor-and-Florence-Grama-Contracts-Total-Construction-Work-Noted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579059-22d374ca0f9d20c3e9f82c62d9c7ad70/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968188&Signature=Htg7BXbiP88MHfm3d2Dd2AkTUkEl8wleNrjqwejfEjoxGcfyv1BmjBoRQuolwYzrxOZjJhJrmZrcsWIWtdGJTR9NZq5cUejATKiLasIt3ghFHolUZTiLFTxOQdzZnFXj4TLvbMtGMCWsj9UgCA6WLGG0bHbMeJ8imz1xA0bjBFGnLLctAgicV95gz2QDpW7d531fw5oQqqkpWZsY4tZOopBEQ92CxAhzVxuI~HZEy7OrPbin4AKyk-P7CF9skSWrjydA7koPLLOUQuN-2TIvvKEIS95vTjbp7DgxdFgrnjp8s1EK5gbdguVOH-d-fPCBM4VMSNGenlT~vPSFJl8i7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport","date","2025-04-23T18:34:00Z","article","The City Council approved a series of procurement actions and contract awards for public works and capital projects.

The Department of Public Services recommended awarding the Roadway Improvement Program 2025 contract to Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, as the lowest responsive bidder. The total contract price will not exceed $3,473,645 and includes $2,967,165 for anticipated construction work, $156,480 for police traffic control, and $350,000 for project contingencies. The council approved the award by voice vote.

The Harbor Department received council approval to award a separate contract to Rhode Island Mooring Service, Inc. for construction and installation of a small-boat mooring field at a cost of $24,000; the project is budgeted and the contract award passed without recorded opposition.

The council also approved a recommendation from the Department of Resilience and Sustainability to award construction-management-at-risk services for renovations to the Florence Grama Center to ALBORG Construction Corporation. The contract includes a pre-construction services fee of $39,000 and contemplates a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to be brought back to council; the estimated total contract not to exceed $5,500,000. The Grama Center renovation is funded in part by pandemic-recovery program allocations and is a joint-use project serving both Newport and Middletown residents.

Councilors asked about funding sources and cost-sharing; Theresa Keen, director of Resilience and Sustainability, said the Florence Grama project is supported by a $7.5 million pandemic recovery award that covers improvements and program spaces for workforce development, healthcare delivery and education, and that Newport is serving as fiscal agent for the award.

All contracts were approved during the meeting; staff will present the GMP for the Florence Grama Center to the council once final pricing is set.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Newport - Newport City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved awarding the city’s Roadway Improvement Program contract to Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt for $3,473,645, a small-boat mooring-field contract for $24,000, and authorized construction-management at-risk services for the Florence Grama Center with an estimated GMP up to $5.5 million.","taxTitle","Newport, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",79596,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579064,"Council Approves Juneteenth Special Event; Washington Square Closure Narrowed and Other Street-closure Requests Continued",816,1072000,1888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c&start=1072&end=1888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c/thumbnail_1072000.jpg","/articles/6579064/Rhode-Island/Council-Approves-Juneteenth-Special-Event-Washington-Square-Closure-Narrowed-and-Other-Street-closure-Requests-Continued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579064-7dea74078fa3a6b246356133a207bdc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968188&Signature=MYcG80Ar7F2VZNFstnWCOm7xzCd9LeyYcKIVeIiUBKydA0~9SFFREgI~EV~ZmAJXDx5BcE5KYeG8uLYtINjZJMOxbCVd5trSMILlxgOrss4y8lrlzqjCqVkpAyx~f7P-Z-ok2u928UKQtJ5v6vDu4~C32t5xv3kS3br7OYXsmZO4I5TeqMbmVk6-iTN-4VaQDwpxpmgA5zPMgV2tM75LnJwScbyaB8bpYLm1Xz41Wz9ynCLxeKXShuxEe9rdk81pzFXTengjKo6DkoJScL5qvPi7nIuiUxqaO6aw~E9RV9~YSWehPTWkghpUSFS1kCmkWnVQTLUZdwlGXV~TGCFuxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a special-event license for a Juneteenth program in Eisenhower Park and endorsed a related Washington Square street closure for a limited period, while deferring some broader street-closure requests pending police review.

Organizers of the Juneteenth event described a reenactment and public program featuring fife-and-drum corps, vendors, and the temporary display of a painting. The City approved the special-event license; councilors emphasized coordination with state and local agencies to protect the painting and manage crowds.

Organizers asked for multiple street closures and parking reservations around Washington Square. After discussion about neighborhood parking and safety, the council amended the request and adopted a narrower closure: Washington Square closed on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A proposal to close additional streets (Duke Street, Charles Street, Park Place and others) was withdrawn and the council voted to continue those closure requests until organizers meet with the Police Department and provide a final plan; the council scheduled a follow-up for the May 14 meeting.

Separately, the council approved several other special event licenses and renewals during the meeting, including a special-event license for Toons and Tours at Belcourt Castle, a Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride (a motorcycle charity event), and additional outdoor café and entertainment licensure items.

Councilors asked organizers to avoid displacing regular parking without prior outreach to merchants and residents. Police and staff said they will work with organizers to minimize impacts and finalize traffic-control plans before the event.","The council approved a Juneteenth special-event license and limited Washington Square closure for the celebration, approved other special-event licenses, and voted to continue discussion of additional requested street closures until police and organizers finalize logistics.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579069,"Energy and Environment Commission Presents 10-Year Framework to Newport Council",329,2693000,3022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c&start=2693&end=3022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c/thumbnail_2693000.jpg","/articles/6579069/Rhode-Island/Energy-and-Environment-Commission-Presents-10-Year-Framework-to-Newport-Council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579069-a4a428537e0526596a7ad74b8f57246e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968188&Signature=FXqzSKEgjChuX0dL5TZwUSZNIk~3sfK-M8Q0jBmmGrZxOH-SJO1kTG5ifk3xaVGVs9d24kC9cIGkGsprxLG2n3Q7AbKpZaiH5DuPTx8KXuGTpLup2JhRzp1HA0lSdzqbqgxSI~odIvLqQOwnz5u59oz7KQ6jRdjcMflEw~DYflZtwqfWk1AM9qHcuLlvjP3D16Jc46dBCEDWxV1e9tspTsTgDR~omD6LXLMhPyd2B75aHBbW3EwWb8Id3qKwmXj~z50uSzRl2d47RtbQaO586Z7l2quzZqz-yZLxZSiDyK57v3r4K5b9Fu~Um0tBuhXU~ezJlU6~g27RswxdIiWhBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport Energy and Environment Commission presented a framework for a 10-year Energy and Environment Plan to the City Council, outlining steps toward integrating mitigation, resiliency and adaptation strategies into the city’s comprehensive plan.

Andy Bjork, chair of the commission’s 10-year plan committee, told the council the submission is a framework for the process rather than a finished plan. “The framework is the framework of the process, not the framework of the plan,” he said, describing the commission’s role in vetting a science-based plan and coordinating with city staff and external partners.

Bjork said the plan will align with the State of Rhode Island’s 2021 Act on Climate and will be integrated into specific chapters of Newport’s comprehensive plan, including energy, water, and natural hazards. The commission identified key partners including the Aquidneck Island Land Trust, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the Office of Energy Resources, and local staff leads such as Theresa Keen, director of Resilience and Sustainability.

The commission’s deliverable will include goals, policies and action items plus decision-support and implementation tools designed to help prioritize capital budgeting and projects. Bjork gave a tentative completion window around 2026, noting coordination with comprehensive-plan consultants and anticipated public vetting.

Councilors praised the commission’s progress and urged that the final plan include funding commitments and concrete implementation steps tied to the city’s capital budget. Theresa Keen confirmed the plan will be coordinated with other municipal planning efforts and that the commission expects to return with drafts for public and council review.

The council took no formal vote on the framework; the presentation functions as a progress report as the commission continues drafting the plan for eventual council review and adoption.","The Energy and Environment Commission presented a framework for a 10-year energy and environment plan to be embedded in Newport's comprehensive plan; the commission emphasized mitigation, resilience, adaptation, and coordination with state climate law.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579074,"Newport Council Approves Changes to Residential Parking Rules; Debate Over Process and Eligibility Continues",931,3272000,4203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c&start=3272&end=4203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c/thumbnail_3272000.jpg","/articles/6579074/Rhode-Island/Newport-Council-Approves-Changes-to-Residential-Parking-Rules-Debate-Over-Process-and-Eligibility-Continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579074-01e1c9dc66ea148251498a3580cde75f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968188&Signature=T7hwjokxioy2wXDfY9q9~xFHFx3I3YfGeoaBWbJxXUKhjPhKTOlJ90Gf55lpvekVn1UwOVZ98R7WsacSl-DXl-rpL~5zu6zGRIg2u4Fmyvu1XMNdajNNddSGI6R-8Ho~z6F22CPas9fPW96CBa4eFceVPtZRFtFGuuc4VIzJqNQCTLRSbBRXOc2on4iIjEiTfp-yfhrH-~hwSfshx8v5RabYvl7iVh0pwAdMKv8QoaYOxSyR5P60nPwsCgg2Sf6MTzj4zzZSZ8GTmESI8Dn1pFOr2yoWvQ0mrVbbjFdKrcu4iDAf6gu8xCwCj-GykRTqfEMvckrR8p1py2si9olkAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council approved a package of ordinance amendments that alter how the city designates residential parking streets and who may receive residential parking privileges.

On first reading the council approved a change designating parts of Marsh Street and Bridge Street as residential-sticker parking and moved the measure toward a second hearing. The vote on that ordinance passed by voice as recorded (Ayes 4, Nays 3). The ordinance language tightened the definition of “resident” and clarified petition thresholds: petitions to designate a street generally require signatures from residents representing at least 51% of resident units, while petitions requesting 24-hour residential parking require 65% representation.

Council discussion was heated. Councilor (name not specified in the record) described the council’s role as policy makers, while other councilors and residents said the change appeared to have moved ahead without the full public-notification process some neighbors expected. Councilor Napolitano said, “I will not be supporting this measure… nobody notified me,” expressing concern that a policy change had been advanced without following community-notification practices.

Deputy City Manager Mike (surname not specified) and staff explained that the ordinance followed a council‑initiated resolution and that the city has a process for petitions and Interdepartmental Traffic Committee (ITC) review; the ITC had reviewed specific parking prohibition requests and returned recommendations on some small-block restrictions.

Councilors also approved related parking-code housekeeping items: extending the free meter time for vehicles with resident parking permits from two hours to three hours, raising certain parking fines (including increasing handicap parking violations from $100 to $150), and codifying definitions and procedures for visitor and temporary permits.

Councilors and staff agreed additional workshops and follow-up will examine remaining residential-parking details such as whether commercial or industrial property owners should receive resident sticker passes and how the city will administer visitor passes and temporary permits.

The changes aim to address neighborhood parking pressure near the waterfront and other areas but left unresolved questions about implementation and notification procedures.","Council approved multiple residential-parking ordinance amendments including a 24-hour resident-sticker designation for portions of Marsh and Bridge streets and other housekeeping changes; several councilors criticized the process and whether property owners and businesses should qualify for stickers.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579079,"Newport Council Sends Negative Recommendation on 88 Washington St. to CRMC after Contentious Hearing",3346,2688000,6034000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c&start=2688&end=6034","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105010-3afe338f216603ba58c2a5d7f680c77c/thumbnail_2688000.jpg","/articles/6579079/Rhode-Island/Newport-Council-Sends-Negative-Recommendation-on-88-Washington-St-to-CRMC-after-Contentious-Hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579079-32a4a7256bf07772f01b1750e1c59dac/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968188&Signature=B~xtTlcB9HHDpL28Hof-VfGiaA5-iz3k77b7FQXU5TtKmY3gq1VcZrFxggSOcofRgmkXpDx8O64qCPJ85kLsjb9JxFEmS3xOZlgc7tuYSVLpJBdxgiHPOx6a3R75oGVP0pKgrKwZffdtRdcEHfexE7BIPiWAPcr4ZobWiBktu5EkctVGfRBIX54lgKpvPb10plpbEPNNJIQMkSsERvgTocadAD3Cy01y8j6ayR-yuB3GxgDIkzCqU-I0IoDm~bkKj3Pm8Y3NkZkBNKhBKRS3bOj936gtqRivdzgdJH2BEHix~V8KEWcqI7DNBOmRkYqZSht1W3utdvEh~NgTZuJPqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newport City Council voted to send a negative recommendation to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on the application for a new single-family home and associated variances at 88 Washington Street.

Neighbors and preservation advocates urged the council to oppose the CRMC variance request, saying the project would intrude into the coastal buffer and alter the streetscape. Peter Denton, who lives at 94 Washington Street, told the council he and other neighbors were “seriously opposed to the construction of this house” and said the application asked CRMC for setbacks far smaller than the regulations require.

The developer’s attorney, Jay Lynch, told the council that the Historic District Commission (HDC) and the Zoning Board had reviewed the proposal and found it appropriate for the site. Lynch warned councilors against trying to “do a backdoor around your Historic District Commission and your zoning board.”

The council debated whether to weigh in while related appeals are pending in Superior Court. Solicitor guidance in the meeting said the council was not required to opine and that CRMC could decide independently, but several councilors and members of the public argued the city should state its view on the buffer variances.

After discussion, the council first voted for a motion of no recommendation; that motion passed. Councilor David Carlin then moved a separate motion to send a formal negative recommendation to CRMC. That motion passed on a subsequent vote.

The council record shows the city asked CRMC to consider whether the requested 22-foot buffer (the applicant’s figure) sufficiently met CRMC’s variance criteria versus the 75-foot buffer cited by opponents. Residents raised additional concerns about loss of waterfront views and potential damage to a large street tree that, they said, sits within the development footprint.

This vote was advisory to CRMC; the state agency will decide whether to grant the variances necessary for the project.

The council’s action reflects continuing local controversy: the project previously received HDC and zoning approvals and is the subject of ongoing litigation in Superior Court, and councilors expressed differing views on whether the city should intervene while the courts consider related appeals.","The City Council voted to send a negative recommendation to the Coastal Resources Management Council on a proposed single-family home at 88 Washington Street, citing concerns about buffer variances and community impacts; the item prompted lengthy public comment and conflicting legal advice.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council Awards Roadway, Harbor and Florence Grama Contracts; Total Construction Work Noted

Council Approves Juneteenth Special Event; Washington Square Closure Narrowed and Other Street-closure Requests Continued

Energy and Environment Commission Presents 10-Year Framework to Newport Council

Newport Council Approves Changes to Residential Parking Rules; Debate Over Process and Eligibility Continues

Newport Council Sends Negative Recommendation on 88 Washington St. to CRMC after Contentious Hearing