The Newport City Council voted 4-3 to reject a proposal to sell the former Coggeshall School property to a developer for $1 million, citing concerns over affordability and loss of green space.
BCM Realty Partners had proposed converting the historic school building into 32 rental units, including 26 units in the main structure and six units in three new duplexes.
The developer touted the project as providing “workforce housing,” but council members and residents questioned whether the proposed rents truly met that definition.
“This is no longer a workforce housing project. This is something entirely different,” said Councilor David Carlin.
BCM representative Peter Regan said one-bedroom units would rent for $1,800 per month and two-bedrooms for $2,500. He argued these rates aligned with workforce housing goals while allowing the project to remain financially viable.
“We’re saying that these are the terms which make it work for us,” Regan told the council.
Several councilors pushed for more concrete affordability restrictions in the contract. Councilor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong suggested defining workforce housing as up to 120% of area median income.
“The swing factor here really is on this workforce definition,” Holder said.
Given the high costs of rehabilitating the historic structure, Regan said such restrictions would make financing the $13 million project difficult.
Residents expressed concerns about losing green space to the proposed duplexes and questioned whether local workers could afford the rents.
“As a teacher, I’m telling you that that is not affordable,” said Becky Dwyer of 27 Sheffield Avenue.
City Solicitor Christopher Behan said the proposed contract language on workforce housing was “generalized” and could be difficult to enforce.
Councilor Lynn Ceglie argued the project would provide much-needed housing and praised BCM’s work on the similar Cranston Calvert property.
“We have to move on this,” Ceglie said. “This building is rapidly deteriorating.”
But other councilors felt the proposal strayed too far from true workforce housing goals.
“Given everything you just answered for me and I appreciate it, why do you need the market rate clause in the contract?” Carlin asked Regan.
The property has been vacant for 12 years since the school closed. Previous requests for proposals failed to generate viable offers.
Supporters argued the project would return the property to the tax rolls and provide housing for middle-income residents struggling to find options in Newport’s expensive market.
But opponents said the city should hold out for a proposal with stronger affordability guarantees.
“I ask that you please do not accept the proposal as it is now from BCM,” said Christine Sullivan of Admiral Kalbfus Road.
Mayor Holder, who supported the project, said before the vote that the council needs to consider the city’s needs as a whole, not just individual neighborhoods.
“We can’t just focus on our own singular needs,” Holder said. “We need to look at the needs for the city as a whole.”
After more than ninety minutes of discussion, the council ultimately voted 4-3 to reject the proposal, with Councilors Stephanie Smyth, Ellen Pinnock, Xay Khamsyvoravong, and David Carlin opposed. Holder, Napolitano, and Ceglie voted in favor of the proposal.
more of our coverage on coggeshall school
Newport City Council to vote on $1 million Coggeshall School sale agreement
Letter To The Editor: The mismanagement of terminology for Coggeshall School RFP is a disservice to the community
Public meeting to be held on the residential conversion of The Coggeshall School
