The Newport City Council approved the city’s Harbor Management Plan and extended a lobbying contract during its regular meeting Wednesday night, while continuing debate on the proposed relocation of the Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Memorial Statue.
In a unanimous vote, the council approved the Harbor Management Plan presented by Harbor Master Steve Land and Waterfront Commission Chair Dave Kane. The plan, which took about 18 months to develop, outlines goals for public access, commercial development, and open space uses in Newport’s harbor areas.
“It’s not our ordinance. We don’t use it to run the harbor, we use it to plan for the future,” Land explained. He noted the plan will be updated every 18 months to stay current.
Kane emphasized the plan’s alignment with other city initiatives. “We work very hard to dovetail it with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Transportation Master Plan,” he said.
The council also voted 6-1 to extend a contract with Cash Capital Communications Group LLC for government relations and advocacy services. The $4,000 monthly contract will now run through December 31, 2025.
Councilor Napolitano defended the lobbying firm’s work, citing successes in the 2024 General Assembly session. “We made, I think, the last council the right decision to hire a lobbying firm. A lobbying firm delivered,” she said, noting millions in bond revenue and increased cruise ship fees for Newport.
A proposed resolution to move the Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Memorial Statue from Broadway to Bellevue Avenue sparked extensive debate. Federico Santi, chair of the Newport Public Sculpture Commission, argued for the move, citing ongoing maintenance challenges and the opportunity to create a new memorial at the Broadway site.
“Years ago, the City of Newport abandoned the Vanderbilt Memorial on Broadway,” Santi said, detailing deterioration issues and past restoration attempts.
However, several residents and council members expressed concerns about the proposal. Jack McVicker of the Off Broadway Neighborhood Association argued for keeping the statue in place, emphasizing its historical significance to Broadway.
“There’s been a renaissance on Broadway and this can continue it. This should be an important part of the continuation of the renaissance of Broadway,” McVicker said.
After lengthy discussion, the council voted to continue the item to allow for further community input and planning.
In other business, the council:
- Heard a presentation on transportation plans for large events from City Clerk Patricia Cofield, including recommendations for shuttle services and off-site parking.
- Approved several routine license applications and board appointments.
- Passed a resolution appointing Councilor Stephanie Smyth as liaison to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
The meeting also included discussion of potential ethical concerns regarding council members’ involvement with entities affected by council decisions. City Solicitor Christopher Behan advised that such situations are personal to each council member and recommended consulting the Ethics Commission when in doubt.
Those interested can watch the entire 2-hour and 23-minute meeting here.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for February 12.
more from this meeting
Newport eyes shuttle service, impact fees to manage event traffic woes
Gardiner House, Newport’s newest boutique hotel, opens this week
