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Newport residents urge council to double Bayfront vendor permits from three to six
Summary
Three local vendors and a photographer told the Newport City Council that expanding the number of vendor permits for the Bayfront would improve the visitor experience, increase safety, and support local small businesses; councilors said staff would determine appropriate next steps and that public comment does not add items to the agenda.
Three Newport-area small-business owners urged the City Council to amend the city’s vending ordinance to allow six vendors, instead of the current three, in Blocks A and B of the Bayfront.
Mark Chavez, a small-business owner who said he applied for a Bayfront vendor permit and was denied because only three vendors are allowed per block, asked the council to “increase the amount of permits issued on the Newport Bayfront for Block A and B from 3 to 6 businesses.” Chavez said the current rule leaves three 10-by-10 vendor spaces vacant and that expanding the permit limit would create a more cohesive boardwalk appearance and increase tourist activity.
Anya Chavez, who identified herself as one of the three current vendors, told the council more vendors would serve as informal ambassadors for visitors and would help guard against theft and litter. “We kind of are an ambassador or a tour guide to the people that are actually down there and here on vacation,” she said. She and other speakers said presence on the Bayfront reduces vandalism and littering and increases foot traffic for nearby restaurants and shops.
Photographer Nicole Locksley, another local vendor who said she routinely sells prints to tourists, supported expanding the number of licenses and said the change would make vending safer and more viable for small businesses. “It makes a big difference if you have more than just one or two people sitting there with their stuff because people look after each other,” Locksley said.
Mayor Jan Kaplan told speakers that city staff and the city manager would determine which committee or process would consider any proposed change, and that comments received during public comment would not add an item to the current meeting’s agenda or produce immediate action. “We don’t take action based on public comment,” the mayor said, noting the city would hear the input and determine next steps.
Council members did not vote on an ordinance change at the meeting. Staff and the city manager will evaluate the request and advise whether a code change or administrative adjustment is appropriate.
