The Newport City Council met Wednesday evening to discuss a range of issues, including the dedication of the city’s skatepark, traffic safety measures, and beach parking fees.
John Walker and another resident spoke during the Citizen Forum, both addressing what they called unauthorized fill being dropped by city dump trucks in the area of the Bliss Mine Road. The Council accepted a petition that they presented.
In a unanimous vote, the council approved naming the Newport Skatepark on John H. Chaffee Boulevard in memory of Seamus Kirby, a 29-year-old skateboarder who recently passed away. The resolution cited Kirby’s passion for skateboarding and his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
“The City of Newport really comes together in times like this,” said Council Chair Charles Holder. “It’s really incredible that the community comes together and something like this comes up where we’re able to name the skate park.”
Sid Abruzzi thanked the council for their decision, noting the skatepark’s popularity. “I’m blown away every day by driving by there. There’s at least 100 or more kids out there a day, every day, all ages, all from all neighborhoods,” Abruzzi said.
Newport Skatepark to be named in memory of Seamus Kirby
The council also debated several traffic safety measures proposed by the Interdepartmental Traffic Committee (ITC). A controversial proposal to install a multi-way stop sign at the intersection of Morton Avenue, Spring Street, and Coggeshall Avenue was rejected after significant opposition from council members.
Councilor David Carlin expressed strong opposition to the proposal, citing a lack of public input and concerns about the meeting times of the ITC. “The city respectfully needs to do a couple of things. Number one, we need to let our citizens know at the initial steps when something like this is going to be heard. Number two, I need to change those meeting times to make it convenient for the citizens of the city of Newport to attend those meetings and express their concerns or ask their questions,” Carlin said.
Fire Chief Harp Donnelly IV raised concerns about the potential impact on emergency vehicles and other large vehicles navigating the hill during slippery conditions.
The council did approve the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Third Street and Sycamore Street, despite some controversy over its placement before council approval. City Manager Colin Kennedy defended the decision, citing immediate health and safety concerns.
“I made the call that the stop sign could go in subject to the first available ordinance reading in front of the council. That responsibility is mine. I accept it,” Kennedy said.
In other business, the council approved changes to the Easton’s Beach amenities fee schedule. The new structure will allow free parking for Newport residents with a resident sticker year-round, eliminating the need for separate beach stickers.
Newport City Council to consider Easton’s Beach parking fee changes
Eric Reis, Recreation & Beach Administrator for the City of Newport, explained the rationale behind the changes. “Our seasonal wages since then are about 35% [higher], mainly due to lifeguarding and trying to retain and recruit lifeguards,” Reis said. He also noted increases in contract services and utilities costs.
The council also approved several contracts, including one for the demolition and rebuilding of the Elm Street Pier and another for the extension of the Ann Street Pier.
Harbor Master Steve Land explained the phased approach to the Elm Street Pier project. “The original contract is for the demo and the permitting and that happened last year. This was kind of the plan originally, once the demoing and permitting got done, was to have an on-site rep,” Land said.
The approximately two-hour meeting began and concluded with a moment of silence in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, each at the request of Councilor Carlin.
Those wishing to watch the meeting can do so on the City of Newport’s website.
