Newport’s City Council is gearing up for a busy meeting on April 9, 2025, with a full agenda covering liquor licenses, special events, and more.
The meeting kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on Broadway. Residents can share their thoughts on city matters during the Citizens’ Forum, with each speaker getting up to three minutes.
Several liquor license applications are up for consideration, including ones for a Mark Erelli concert at the Great Friends Meeting House on May 2 and a swing dance event at Emmanuel Church on May 17. The Newport Rugby Football Club is seeking approval for three licenses to cover tournaments at Fort Adams State Park in May and June.
The council will review a variety of special event applications, from flower sales to dance performances. Highlights include the Audrain Veteran Car Tour on May 3-4 and the Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff from June 20-22.
Also on the agenda is the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and projections for Fiscal Year 2027. The council will receive this and set it for public advertisement on May 14, 2025.
New license applications are in the mix too, with Pivotal Brewing Company and Chomp Kitchen and Drinks, both on Broadway, seeking entertainment licenses.
The council will discuss changes to city ordinances, including updates to residential parking rules and special parking restrictions on Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard.
To wrap up, the council will vote on resolutions supporting the Ride Island Plan and a Bicycle Friendly Community application. They’ll also consider a resolution opposing a suggested increase in tax on high-value real estate sales.
