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Council signals no objection to 128 Long Wharf dredging application after timing concerns about CRMC deadline
Summary
The council voted 4–1 to inform state agencies it had no objection to a maintenance‑dredging application by 128 Long Wharf LLC (roughly 2,643 cubic yards), after staff and an engineering representative explained the project and the Waterfront Commission recommended approval; a councilor said the city missed a CRMC comment deadline and asked staff to request an extension if needed.
The council voted 4–1 to tell the Coastal Resources Management Council and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management that the city has no objection to a maintenance‑dredging application by 128 Long Wharf LLC to remove about 2,643 cubic yards of material.
Gus Krusekamp, director of waterfront engineering for consulting firm VHB, answered council questions about location and scope, saying the marina is west of Newport Yacht Club and east of the state fishing pier and that the dredged material would be transported to the Providence River. "We're looking to remove roughly 22,600, cubic yards of material," he said while describing the broader dredging strategy for future filings (transcript contains the project's stated cubic yards and subsequent clarifications by staff).
Councilors expressed concern that the council had met after the CRMC comment deadline and that the city might have "dropped the ball" on seeking an extension; the city manager agreed to check with staff and seek any necessary extensions. Despite that procedural concern, staff said multiple city departments had reviewed the application and the Waterfront Commission recommended approval; councilors then voted not to oppose the CRMC filing.
The council’s action is procedural — notifying state agencies of the municipal position — and does not authorize the work itself. The transcript showed discussion of required state reviews (DEM, CRMC and Army Corps water‑quality permits) and staff noted there is no immediate fiscal impact to the city.
