Newport council adopts city center revitalization plan into comprehensive plan

The Newport City Council voted unanimously Sept. 2 to adopt Ordinance 2025-04, amending the Newport Peninsula Urban Design Plan and Transportation System Plan elements of the city’s comprehensive plan to implement the city center revitalization recommendations.

The ordinance inserts comprehensive-plan policies to guide a multi-part package of improvements — including transportation changes on U.S. Highway 101, sidewalk and streetscape work, and programs to encourage housing and private investment in the city center. “What we have is an ordinance that puts in place the comprehensive plan policies that provide direction to implement the city center revitalization plan,” said Derek Tokos, Community Development, during the staff presentation.

Residents and committee members testified during the public hearing both in favor and with reservations. Lori Sanders, a member of the citizen advisory committee, urged the council to seek clearer cost…