Newport’s Planning Board is gearing up to review two major hotel development proposals for Waites Wharf tonight (May 15).
The board will look at plans for a 54-room hotel with a restaurant on the north lot and a 35-room hotel with a restaurant/event space on the south lot. Both projects also include 7-unit residential buildings.
Harbour Realty, LLC is behind both applications, which need special use permits for guest facilities and multi-family homes in the Waterfront Business zone.
So far, the planning board has received 65 public comments on each application. Most of these express concerns about the projects.
Critics worry about increased traffic, environmental impact, and whether the developments are too large for the waterfront area.
However, some locals and business owners back the projects, saying they’ll boost tourism and help the local economy.
The applications include plans for public access easements. Friends of the Waterfront, a local group, supports these access plans but remains neutral on the overall projects.
The board will also look at expert reports on traffic, environmental impact, and how the developments might affect the real estate market.
The upcoming meeting, set for 6 p.m. at the Council Chambers on Broadway, continues discussions from previous sessions in March, April, and early May.
See the full agenda and supporting documents here.
