Newport Planning Board Regular Meeting - May 12, 2025

The Newport Planning Board convened at 6:30 p.m. on May 12, 2025, in the Council Chambers at 43 Broadway. The board approved prior meeting minutes, reviewed the state's Housing 2030 plan, scheduled special meetings for the Waites Wharf Hotel applications, continued a zoning petition, and certified the CDBG application as consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. All votes were unanimous unless noted. The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve April 7, 2025 meeting minutes passed unanimously. The minutes now include exhibits attached to improve transparency regarding previously approved administrative actions.

Communications

• State Housing Plan (Housing 2030) was presented by staff. The Rhode Island Department of Housing's new plan sets ambitious statewide housing goals over a five-year period (2025–2030). Staff noted the city's 10-year housing plan uses a longer horizon. Board members noted the plan's useful data and page 35's 'menu of pro-housing reforms' that could serve as a dashboard for Newport's zoning updates.

Business

• Reordered agenda: Motion to move items B, C, and D ahead of item A (CDBG) passed unanimously.
• Item B (Waites Wharf Hotel – North Lot): Set a special meeting date for Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to continue the public hearing. Approved unanimously.
• Item C (Waites Wharf Hotel – South Lot): Also set for Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to continue the public hearing. Approved unanimously.
• Item D (Petition to amend Future Land Use Map): Continued to the June 2, 2025 Planning Board meeting. Approved unanimously.

CDBG Certification

• Bob (Robert) Plain of Church Community Housing Corporation presented the Project Year 25 CDBG application. He explained that the board's role is to certify that proposed activities are not in conflict with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, not to evaluate their worthiness.
• Item 1 – North End Park Improvements: $800,000 for bubblers, bathrooms, and shade awning. Board found no conflict with open space and resources goals.
• Item 2 – McKinney Shelter: $320,000 for operating support. Board found it consistent with housing and public services goals.
• Item 3 – Newport Housing Authority: $500,000 for security upgrades (e.g., alarms, cameras). Board found it supports maintaining affordable housing.
• Item 4 – Boys and Girls Club After-School Programs: Removed from list; the group is not applying this year. Board declined to strike from record to allow flexibility, but no action needed.
• Item 5 – EBCAP Dental Equipment: $40,000 for a dental chair and equipment. Board found it consistent with social services goals.
• Home Repair Program: Not part of this competitive round; can be certified later.
• Motion to adopt the staff report as findings of fact was approved unanimously. Individual items were then certified as not in conflict with the comprehensive plan: the board voted accordingly for each item (motion passed unanimously).

Reports

• Actions of the Administrative Officer: Presented for information: demolition at 6 Lucas Avenue (positive TRC recommendation), and two lot line adjustments (Kerins Terrace and Bazarsky subdivisions) recorded.
• Liaison reports:
  • Tree and Open Space Commission: No report.
  • Waterfront Commission: Working on additional moorings and lottery system; Elm Street Pier expected to be functional soon.
  • Energy and Environment Commission: Developing sustainability and resilience sections of the new comprehensive plan.
  • Housing and Zoning Working Group: Housing planner Elijah (state housing fellow) will report to City Council on housing policies and research; a housing task force is being considered. Zoning updates will be staged to support housing chapter.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: No liaison present; interviews for new members were held, with one more needed.

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously at 6:57 p.m.