Council approves settlement to end decade-long Anne Street Pier litigation, limits extension to 210 feet

The Newport City Council voted to approve a settlement agreement that ends long-running litigation over the Anne Street Pier extension and authorizes a reduced pier extension of 210 feet.

Solicitor Christopher Bien and staff described the settlement as a compromise reached after years of appeals and legal disputes. “What this does is allows the city to have a 210 foot extension,” the solicitor said during the presentation of the memorandum; staff said the change reflects a negotiated reduction from an earlier, larger approval and includes management provisions and CRMC restrictions about vessel size and use.

Council members emphasized public access and revenue potential from smaller transient boats in the city’s maritime center. The administration said the extended pier, if funding aligns, could be ready to begin construction as soon as next fall and is expected to help the harbor operate in the black.

The resolution approved directs the mayor to sign the settlement agreement on the city’s behalf after final review by the city solicitor and any court or Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) revisions. The motion to approve was moved and seconded on the record and carried with the council voting in favor and no recorded opposition.

The council characterized the settlement as a pragmatic outcome: settling now reduces the risk of years more litigation and makes the project more achievable in the near term. Staff and the harbor master said they believe the scaled-back extension will still expand public access and support harbor operations.

The council carried the resolution; no further action was required at the meeting other than final solicitor review and signature authorization.