Newport approves playground replacement, bridge lighting and paving agreements in unanimous votes

The Newport Board of Commissioners voted unanimously March 16 to approve a package of partnership and capital items, including replacement of playground equipment at 18th Street Park, purchase and joint-maintenance agreements for multicolor, programmable aesthetic lighting on the new Kentucky Route 8 bridge, payment of Southbank Partners annual dues, and a paving contract timed with Northern Kentucky Water District’s lead-line replacement work.

Playground (Order No. 19): Josh Tunney, who the city introduced as the project lead, said the replacement was budgeted at $50,000 and that the final contract with DWA Recreation, including installation, came in at $49,900. Tunney said a $10,000 Greater Cincinnati Foundation grant secured through the Clifton Neighborhood Association expanded the project scope to include landscaping, a trash receptacle, basketball-court repairs and new seating. Commissioners said they expected installation before summer and approved the contract on a roll call vote.

Bridge lighting (Orders No. 20 and 21): Staff described approximately 156 individually controlled LED fixtures to be integrated into the bridge design. The one-time initial cost to Newport was estimated at about $112,000, with the City of Covington to pay an equal share; annual energy costs were estimated at roughly $5,000–$6,000 and long-term equipment lifecycle and replacement budgeting were discussed. The commission approved both the equipment purchase agreement and a joint maintenance agreement that will formalize cost- and responsibility-sharing with Covington and KYTC.

Southbank Partners dues (Order No. 22): The board approved the FY2025–26 membership contribution of $58,002.50 to Southbank Partners. A commissioner raised concerns about board representation and the organization’s evolution from a public-private partnership into a primarily private entity funded by public money; staff and a Southbank representative described the organization’s role in securing projects such as Saratoga Plaza and in regional advocacy.

Paving tied to lead-line replacement (Order No. 23): The commission accepted the low bid from Regular Blacktop to perform full-width paving on a set of streets coordinated with the water district’s lead-line replacement program. Staff described most work as a 50/50 cost split with the water district, with a four-way split on East 4th Street involving the city, the water district, Corporac’s and a hotel developer. Officials said the water district obtained federal funding for lead-line replacement so residents are not directly charged for that work.

Votes at a glance: - Order 19 (Playground, DWA Recreation): Approved (roll call unanimous). - Order 20 (Bridge lighting purchase/agreement): Approved (roll call unanimous). - Order 21 (Bridge lighting maintenance agreement): Approved (roll call unanimous). - Order 22 (Southbank Partners dues, $58,002.50): Approved (roll call unanimous). - Order 23 (Paving contract tied to NKWD lead-line replacement): Approved (roll call unanimous).

Why it matters: the approvals tie multiple public investments to outside partners (KYTC, Covington, Northern Kentucky Water District, Greater Cincinnati Foundation and Southbank Partners) and illustrate a strategy of coordinated infrastructure work to reduce duplicate construction and maximize grant funding.

Next steps: staff will finalize contracts and work with partners on implementation and timelines; the bridge lighting maintenance agreement will return with operational details coordinated with Covington.