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Council asks Naval War College for explanation after leaked feasibility study mentions major Newport projects
Summary
Councilors requested an accounting from the Naval War College after a leaked internal feasibility study ('Project 150') described an 800‑seat auditorium and large parking investment and referenced Newport partnerships; the Navy later told the city the study was internal and premature for public discussion.
Councilors asked the Naval War College for an explanation and accounting after a 50‑page feasibility study (referred to in the meeting as 'Project 150') was shared with council members and media. The draft study described potential facilities — including an 800‑seat international forum/auditorium with estimated construction cost of about $78.7 million and parking costs estimated at about $16.8 million — and said the Navy had interviewed dozens of Newport stakeholders.
City Manager Kennedy reported the Naval War College president had written to the city that the study was an internal feasibility exercise that "inadvertently leaked" and had not yet been staffed or vetted by Naval Station Newport or the Department of the Navy. The Navy asked to hold broader public engagement until internal steps were complete. Councilors nonetheless voted to request a fuller explanation and a city accounting of how any future plan could affect the North End Urban Plan and other city goals.
The council emphasized it expects to be kept fully informed if the Navy advances proposals that could affect city land use and long‑term planning; the manager confirmed that no conveyance or use of the naval hospital property would occur before any formal conveyance or exchange to the city. The motion asking the Navy for explanation passed by voice vote.
