Charles Pattavina, candidate for Newport’s First Ward Councilor, joins What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation

Charles Pattavina, a retired emergency physician, is running for Newport City Council’s first ward seat in the upcoming election.

Pattavina, who prefers to go by Charlie, cited affordable housing as the top priority for the city in a one-on-one interview with What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, August 27.

“Hands down, I think affordable housing is a big issue, and that’s not an issue for any one segment of the economic strata,” Pattavina said. “That’s an issue for basically anyone who doesn’t have at least a million dollars in the bank.”

Pattavina emphasized that the housing crisis affects a wide range of residents, from service industry workers to professionals like doctors and lawyers. He suggested exploring projects like the redevelopment of Coggeshall School and utilizing space above the Gateway parking center for housing.

“I think affordable housing is a big issue, and that’s not an issue for any one segments of the, you know, economic strata. That’s an issue for basically anyone who doesn’t have at least a million dollars in the bank. So basically everyone I know has a housing issue,” he said.

The candidate also expressed concern about Newport’s heavy reliance on tourism. He noted that some families have left the city due to the perception that it caters primarily to tourists.

“I think it’s worth considering that maybe the hospitality industry could be contributing more to Newport financially than they are. I heard at that city council meeting throwing around that, what was it, 6% of the city’s budget,” he said.

On infrastructure, Pattavina highlighted the need to address flooding issues, particularly in the North End. He supports incorporating water management into new developments and improving street and sidewalk conditions throughout the city.

First Ward Needs

Pattavina discussed his vision for the North End following the recent bridge realignment saying, “For better or for worse, basically for worse, there was an artificial barrier between the north end and the rest of the city for decades. Now you can walk or ride a bike or take the new electric transport of your choice all right down to the shopping plaza there.”

The candidate suggested developing the freed-up land with a mix of affordable housing and flood mitigation measures. “Since our most critical need, other than we always need money, I think, is affordable housing and affordable living, I think that would be the first place to look for developing it,” Pattavina said.

Regarding flooding issues, he stated, “The water wants to go where the water wants to go. That could be incorporated into this new area, you know, just in a really nice way.”

Pattavina also proposed exploring alternative transportation options, including the potential use of existing railroad tracks. “It seems that that would be a way to bring people in without the cars,” he said, referring to the railroad tracks near the bus station.

On the topic of affordable housing, Pattavina commented, “Everybody deserves a decent standard of life and quality of life.”

Moving Ahead

Pattavina provided his campaign website (cpattavina.com) and email (info@cpattavina.com) for voters to reach out and share their thoughts.

Pattavina is one of three candidates running to serve as Newport City Council First Ward Councilor. What’sUpNewp has also interviewed the other two candidates, Ellen Pinnock and Charles Pattavina.

Early voting for the primary began Aug. 21 and continues through Sept. 9, with the primary election set for Sept. 10.