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Newport council OKs downtown property purchase to add parking
Summary
The Newport City Council approved a resolution authorizing purchase of a downtown parcel at Third and Laurel Streets to create additional parking; local development groups pledged roughly $15,127 toward acquisition and closing costs.
The Newport City Council on Oct. 7 approved a resolution authorizing the city to purchase a downtown property at the corner of Third and Laurel Streets to provide additional parking.
Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission, told the council the parcel is needed as the Tech Depot expands and Drive Smart relocates into the former NEDC building. "The downtown area is in need of additional parking with the Tech Depot growing and with Drive Smart moving into the former NEDC building," Chadwell said. Chadwell told the council NEDC would pay $7,500 toward the acquisition and D.R.I.V.E. would donate $7,627, which the city said would include closing costs, and that the city would take title to the property.
City Attorney John Pettie read the resolution aloud before the council voted. Regina Lake moved to approve the resolution and Carol Falwell seconded; the motion carried 7-0 with yes votes from Michael Allen, Carol Falwell, Wendell Green, Regina Lake, Leroy Mansko, Andy May and Julie Moss. Donny Ivie was listed as absent.
The resolution authorizes the city to acquire the parcel and accept the outside contributions; the council did not discuss purchase price or closing dates on the record. The council indicated it will coordinate outreach with donors and stakeholders as part of implementation. The action came as part of a consent-style vote; no additional public comment was recorded on the item.
The council adjourned following the meeting; the action is recorded in the Oct. 7 minutes.
