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Newport approves land purchases, road access and construction bids to support police relocation and parks
Summary
Council approved purchase of roughly 8 acres of the Old Ryan's property for $150,000 for a new police department and animal-control site, bought two lots beside Park to Float for $50,000 total, closed an alley to expand parkland, and awarded bids for vehicles and a $95,862 renovation of the Tanner Community Center to accommodate police operations.
The Newport City Council approved several actions Tuesday to support the city’s recovery and capital plans, including land purchases for a future police department, park expansion and multiple equipment and construction bids.
Land and parks: Council approved purchase of about 8 acres of the Old Ryan’s property for $150,000. City administrators said the deal would provide roughly six acres for a new police department and animal-control facility plus about two acres for a 60-foot right-of-way to extend Main Street to Coke Boulevard, which they said would ease downtown traffic and encourage development. Council also approved purchasing two lots adjacent to the Park to Float facility for $50,000 total to expand the park. The council approved resolution 2025-08 to close part of the alley between Prospect and White Oak so Parks and Recreation can use the area for a new city park.
Construction and vehicles: Council awarded the renovations contract at the Tanner Community Center to M and B R Contractors for $95,862 to create secure, long-term space for police operations while the new department is planned. Officials said they expect some FEMA assistance for flood-related relocation costs but could not estimate the amount or timing. Council approved buying two 2025 Ford Explorer patrol vehicles (including upfits) for $120,058 to replace high-mileage units and authorized the purchase of a replacement vehicle for community development (a used unit) that replaces a jeep lost in the flood. The council also approved buying a larger bucket truck from Newport Utilities for $10,000.
Votes: The Ryan property purchase and the Roger Miller lots were approved by roll call; several other items passed by voice vote and roll calls as recorded by the clerk.
Administration said the city has funds available for the purchases and that the transactions would not require borrowing.
Provenance: The Ryan-property presentation and vote are documented beginning at SEG 496; bids and the Tanner Community Center contract were discussed through SEG 1279.
