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Council Receives CRMC Referrals for Newport Yachting Center and Waite’s Wharf; Waterfront Conditions Added
Summary
Council received and referred a CRMC application to reconfigure docks at the Newport Yachting Center and separately directed administration to notify CRMC it had no objection to a Harbor Realty (Waite’s Wharf) marina reconfiguration provided public-access conditions were added.
The City Council took two waterfront items: a CRMC application from Newport Yachting Center to expand marina perimeter limits and replace floating docks, and a separate application by Harbor Realty (Waite’s Wharf) to reconfigure an existing pier and install floating docks.
Newport Yachting Center: The council voted to receive the CRMC notice and refer it to the Waterfront Commission for review. Harbor Master Steve Land explained such marina reconfiguration proposals are often driven by aging bulkheads, changes in vessel sizes (wider beams) and the marina’s need to maintain safe dockage. He said the city negotiates public access and safety features as part of the CRMC review.
Waite’s Wharf (Harbor Realty LLC): For the applicant proposing to reconfigure piers and floating docks, the council approved a recommendation to inform CRMC that the city has no objection provided specified conditions are included in state approval: an intermodal public-transit landing (ferry/shuttle) with signage, a covered bench and floating rescue ring at the pickup point, a 36-space kayak rack with launch at West Extension Street to be maintained by the applicant and managed by the city, and repairs to a drainage outfall at West Extension Street. The Waterfront Commission worked with the applicant and Friends of the Waterfront to arrive at the conditions; Friends of the Waterfront asked the council to ensure the marina revisions provide public benefits.
Why it mattered: The applications involve public trust waters and public access considerations; councilors emphasized the importance of maintaining public dock access and safety features (required safety ladders, ADA access, and benches/shelters) while allowing marinas to modernize.
Action taken: The Newport Yachting Center CRMC referral was received and referred to the Waterfront Commission. The council instructed the administration to notify CRMC of no objection to the Harbor Realty application provided the Waterfront Commission’s recommended conditions are made part of the approval.
Ending: Councilors and the harbor master stressed continuing public-access protections and safety features when marinas seek to expand or reconfigure in state waters.
