Newport’s City Council passed a comprehensive residential parking permit ordinance at its March 25 regular meeting and voted to delay 12 scheduled Audrain Automobile Museum car events pending a required police meeting.
Residents also raised concerns about tenant housing conditions, nonprofit governance and water infrastructure funding.
A parking program reborn—and already under scrutiny
The council approved a residential parking ordinance package 6-1. The program, which takes effect May 1, 2026, establishes two resident classifications: R1 for full-time Newport residents and military, and R2 for non-resident property owners and short-term tenants.
The central debate was permit quantity. The administration had proposed a tiered structure giving R2 holders fewer permits than full-time residents. One council member challenged the approach: “Why have we created a two tier structure that is complicated by a differential number of permits between residents, part time residents, trusts, LLCs? Why not make it three across the board for simplicity?” The council voted to set the cap at three permits for all classifications.
City Manager Colin Kennedy defended the original tiered approach, citing existing council policy. “The current two tier tax rate was designed as a policy to encourage long term residency and long term rental,” he said, “and so in the thinking about the parking program, we holistically looked at that council philosophy that we’ve been interpreting over the last two years and applied it to this circumstance as well.” He said revenue was not the program’s purpose: “This has never been about money… It was never going to make any significant money at all.”
Non-resident property owner Michael Cornelius, who travels from Massachusetts, asked the council for consideration. “We too have older vehicles, and it just would be quite a hardship for us in order for us to come down here from Massachusetts.”
The ordinance includes a provision enabling criminal prosecution and fines of up to $1,000 for anyone who uses false or fraudulent information to obtain a permit. An amendment by Councilor Kamzavaravang allows primary residents additional permits for dependents under age 25 who drive a vehicle registered to the household address.
Councilor Carlin cast the lone dissenting vote on procedural grounds. “The underlying reason that I am voting no on this final approval is for what I stated earlier. This should be a first hearing, not a second.” Mayor Holder acknowledged the program may need further revision: “I really think we need to look at this deeper the next time around.”
Cars & Coffee hits a red light
All 12 scheduled Audrain Automobile Museum Cars & Coffee events were continued to a future council meeting. The council conditioned approval on organizers first meeting with the Newport Police Department—and if necessary, neighborhood representatives—to address complaints about reckless driving and speeding.
Event organizer Ben Chester told the council the museum has stepped up enforcement. “We love these events. Obviously we love providing this outlet for our local community and greater regional community,” he said, adding that the museum placed yard signs urging no reckless driving last year. None of the 12 events are approved until organizers satisfy the police department’s conditions.
A lighthouse, a landlord and a call for democracy
Resident William Nolan told the council his rental unit has lacked adequate water pressure and hot water since Jan. 24, and that the property had never been inspected by the city. “From January 24 till present, I have had no water pressure and very little hot water. Where my challenge is, is why am I supposed to take it on the chin?” The council formally received his materials. Mayor Holder responded: “Mister Nolan, we hear you loud and clear.”
Resident Nora Eschenheimer asked the council to explore ways to restore member voting rights at the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, a nonprofit that manages city-owned property on Rose Island. “A nonprofit stewarding city owned property deserves meaningful democratic accountability, and we believe that reengaging the community will only help the island we love.” The council took no formal action.
Water bills, war heroes and what’s next
The council passed a resolution supporting a statewide discussion on affordability evaluation methods for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Newport does not currently qualify for Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank funding. “They think we’re made of money, and I really think that attitude has to change,” one council member said.
The council unanimously approved a resolution to place a plaque in Liberty Square honoring the Newport Artillery Company—cited in the resolution as the oldest continuing artillery company in the nation—and the Daughters of the American Revolution. A Memorial Day dedication ceremony is being planned.