The Newport City Council will meet on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall to address a packed agenda featuring holiday event approvals, infrastructure investments, and traffic planning initiatives.
Holiday events dominate consent calendar
The council will consider permits for several seasonal celebrations as Newport prepares for the busy holiday season. Among the events seeking approval:
- The 55th annual Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 6
- St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church’s Christmas Bazaar, also scheduled for Dec. 6
- Musical performances at Belmont Chapel Island Cemetery featuring Bobby Cowsill and Dickens Carolers in December
- Multiple holiday markets, including events at Seamen’s Church Institute and Newport Craft Brewery
The Newport Winter 10K organizers have also requested to push back the race’s start time from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Infrastructure and planning take center stage
Several significant infrastructure and planning items will come before the council, including:
Traffic study: Action Item #6511/25, continued from Oct. 22, addresses the award of contract for a professional traffic study of the Thames-Spring streets corridor — a perennial congestion point in downtown Newport.
Wastewater treatment: Two related items focus on the city’s Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation Project. The council will consider reallocating general obligation bond funding to advance the project and approving borrowing through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to finance the replacement work.
Parking and traffic ordinances: Multiple ordinance revisions will be heard, addressing parking restrictions on the east side of Broadway, weight restrictions on Bedlow and Hillside avenues, and loading zones at Lees Wharf.
Housing update on tap
Housing Planner Elijah Mensah will present a Newport Housing Planning Update to the council, providing insights into the city’s ongoing efforts to address housing challenges.
Licensing matters
The Board of License Commissioners will conduct public hearings on 2025-2026 liquor license renewals for multiple establishment classes. The council will also hear an application from the Newport Protective Club for a new annual entertainment license.
Additionally, Broadway Mini Mart is seeking expanded victualing hours to operate between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. daily — a hearing continued from the Oct. 22 meeting.
Other business
The council will also consider:
- A proposed amendment to mooring permit classifications and quotas
- Contract awards for ESRI ArcGIS software and building official services
- A resolution approving the Revolutionary Hydrant Project
- An extension of the Newport Yacht Club lease agreement
The meeting is open to the public, with a citizens’ forum at the beginning allowing residents to address the council on matters not on the regular agenda. Speakers must sign in with the city clerk and are limited to three minutes on one subject.