Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Comprehensive Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City planners to hold drop‑in Rogers High School event as part of Newport comprehensive‑plan update
Summary
A planning consultant told the board the team will hold a three‑hour drop‑in session at Rogers High School, replicate activities online, and continue analyzing demographic and economic inputs (including harbor capacity, moorings and seasonal residents) to inform the comprehensive plan.
City planning consultants asked residents to contribute to the city’s comprehensive‑plan update and invited the public to a drop‑in outreach event at the Rogers High School atrium.
"This trip is really about listening for us and reporting out," the consultant said, describing a set of ten plan elements the team will analyze. The event — a three‑hour drop‑in at the student commons — will not feature a formal presentation but will include interactive activities, a raffle, a photo booth, food and cookie‑decorating so residents of many ages can participate. The consultants said activities will be replicated online for those out of town or unable to attend.
Board members questioned population figures and the economic analysis. The consultant confirmed the 25,000 figure discussed refers to year‑round population and “does generally include students,” and said the team is still refining numbers that separate part‑time residents and visitors. Members asked that the analysis account for harbor use, moorings and water‑based transportation as inputs to daily capacity estimates; the consultant said prior city and harbor plans have been reviewed and the team will integrate water‑based considerations.
A board member asked whether the plan will consider incentives to attract non‑hospitality businesses to strengthen year‑round employment. The consultant said business‑attraction strategies are within the team’s scope and that Integrate Partners’ Kevin Heibley will consider incentives and spatial opportunities.
Next steps: consultants will gather input at the public event and online, continue to refine demographic estimates (including full‑time vs. part‑time and visitor counts), and report back to the board at a future meeting.
