The Newport City Council meets on Wednesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway, with a packed agenda that includes second readings on a sweeping residential parking program overhaul and a continued debate over how to spend speed camera revenue.
The meeting opens with a proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day.
Parking ordinances
Among the most consequential items on the agenda are three ordinances up for their second and final reading that would significantly reshape Newport’s residential parking permit program. The changes would update eligibility requirements and proof of eligibility, establish application requirements, set caps and limitations on permits, and introduce a digital permit system. A companion ordinance would stiffen enforcement, enabling criminal prosecution and fines of up to $1,000 for anyone who uses false or misleading information to obtain a permit.
Two additional parking-related ordinances on second reading would authorize towing on Narragansett Avenue at 40 Steps and adjust parking time limits at the Library and Recreation parking lot in Aquidneck Park.
Speed camera revenue
Vice Chair Lynn Underwood Ceglie’s resolution directing speed camera revenue into a school-restricted fund, which was continued from the March 4 meeting, returns to the agenda on Wednesday.
Resolutions
The council will also consider a resolution, sponsored by Councilor Stephanie Smyth and Chair Charlie Holder, advocating for increased funding through the FY2027 Green Economy and Clean Energy Bond to support improvements at Fort Adams State Park.
Councilor Jeanne Marie Napolitano is sponsoring two resolutions: one supporting the placement of a plaque in Liberty Square honoring the Newport Artillery Company and the Daughters of the American Revolution, and another backing a statewide discussion of affordability evaluation methods in drinking water and clean water revolving funds.
A resolution supporting the Support and Access to Bilingual Education Act, sponsored by Councilor Ellen Pinnock, Stephanie Smyth, and Chair Holder, is also on the agenda, as is a resolution addressing sidewalk conditions on Malbone Road.
Special events
The council is set to approve a long list of special event permits, including:
The U.S. SailGP Team Rhode Island Fan Zone at Bowen’s Wharf, May 8-10; the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen’s Wharf and Market Square, May 16-17; the Newport Charter Yacht Show at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, June 22-25; the 29th Annual IYRS Summer Gala on July 11; the Newport Dance Festival at the Great Friends Meeting House, July 15-19; Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Aug. 7-9; the Pell Bridge Run on Aug. 30; and the Newport International Boat Show, Sept. 17-20.
The council will also take up a request from Detective John Sullivan to hold the Aquidneck Island National Police Parade, with the department seeking to serve as the sole vendor at the event.
A second fireworks permit for America’s Jubilee is also on the agenda, covering a 12-minute display at sunset June 5 from three barges in Newport Harbor. A first display for that date was approved Feb. 11.
Boards and licenses
The council will vote on appointments to the Historic District Commission, Trust and Investment Commission and Energy and Environment Commission.
On the licensing side, the Board of License Commissioners will consider a request to transfer the Class BT liquor license at Gardiner House, 24 Lee’s Wharf, to new ownership.
The full docket is available here.