The Newport City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) over a property dispute related to the bridge realignment project.
Assistant City Solicitor Girard Galvin presented the settlement recommendation to the council during their Aug. 28 meeting. The agreement will provide Newport with an additional $125,000 on top of the $515,000 previously paid by RIDOT for property taken as part of the project.
“Generally speaking, the state took property from the city as part of the bridge realignment program. As part of that, they compensated us approximately $515,000. We initiated litigation because we disputed that amount. Discovery commenced. Negotiations commenced with DOT,” Galvin said.
“In light of uncertainties with the result of litigation, both parties have agreed that an additional $125,000 for the City of Newport would be a responsible resolution of the dispute,” Galvin explained.
The city had initiated litigation against RIDOT, disputing the original compensation amount. After negotiations commenced, the two sides reached the settlement to avoid further legal action.
Councillor Mark Aramli expressed appreciation for the city’s efforts, telling Galvin: “Thanks for playing hardball on our behalf.”
The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution authorizing Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong to sign the settlement agreement on behalf of the city, pending final review by the city solicitor.
The settlement brings the total compensation to $640,000 for the property taken by RIDOT.
Before the Regular Council Meeting, the City Council met in an Executive Session to discuss the litigation.
Great, can we save 10 teacher jobs with that money instead of laying off hard working educators???
Was the cost of litigation more than $125,000? All things set aside, $125,000 doesn’t go very far these days.