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Newport Council backs Middle Passage Port Marker, authorizes staff engagement for design
Summary
Council adopted a resolution supporting the Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial at a proposed state‑owned site on America's Cup Avenue and authorized preliminary staff engagement to advance design and construction planning.
Members of the design team described more than eight years of planning and fundraising for a Middle Passage Port Marker and asked the council to endorse a new state‑owned site on America's Cup Avenue after withdrawing a prior Liberty Square proposal.
"We proceeded with planning and fundraising... After opposition last year, we decided to relinquish Liberty Square and we asked you guys to help us identify a new location," the design‑team speaker said, recounting community involvement and the work of local churches and museums.
Council read a formal resolution that "expresses its formal support for the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial concept and proposed location on the state‑owned island at America's Cup Avenue" and authorizes preliminary staff engagement on the project. The resolution affirms the council's intent to advance comprehensive design and construction plans for later review by the relevant commissions and the council.
Councilors praised local advocates and volunteers who shepherded the effort. The motion to approve the resolution was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.
