Newport aldermen approve annexation of golf-course and adjacent parcel amid mining, operations assurances

Newport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 4-1 on June 30 to approve Resolution 2025-10, annexing two parcels offered for voluntary annexation that include the closed golf course at 1220 Golf Course Road and an adjacent rock-quarry parcel.

The annexation followed a public hearing in which residents and property owners expressed sharply divided views about potential mining and the future of the golf course. The board considered a signed memorandum of understanding with the property owner that the city says binds the owner to operate or lease the golf course, gives the city a first right of refusal if the owner later decides to sell, and requires mining operations to follow Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) permit conditions and other mitigation measures.

Supporters of the annexation, including residents who said they value the golf course as a community amenity, urged the board to accept the petition and the written commitments. Geraldine Bridal, who said she is in the mobile-home business and lives locally, told the board: "please vote yes for the golf course, to save whatever you have to do to save the golf course." Dennis Williams, who said he worked in the…