Waterfront and Tree/Open Space Commissions Joint Information Session on Parati Park Project - July 22, 2026

This joint information session was hosted by the Waterfront Commission and the Tree and Open Space Commission to present the ongoing design process for the Parati Park project, which includes bulkhead replacement, dock replacement, harbor master facility reconstruction, and park redesign. The meeting aimed to provide the public with an overview of the project's constraints, design goals, and preliminary concepts, followed by public comment. Chairs Mark Barzitz (Waterfront Commission) and Maureen Cronen (Tree and Open Space Commission) emphasized that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address critical infrastructure needs while improving public access and the visitor experience.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Anderson, representing over 200 members of Save Parati Park, expressed concern that the approved $20 million bond is being used for a "multi-tenant cruise port" rather than the original intent, calling it a "bait and switch." He requested written answers on how much of the bond has been borrowed and how the bulkhead project can proceed independently.
• Bart Dunbar (25 Bridge Street) recalled serving on the original state committee that approved the harbor master facility as part of the park from the start. He fully supported the expansion of the harbor master building, stating it is essential for providing services to visitors.
• President of the Brick Marketplace Condo Association (representing ~80 condo owners) requested technical analyses (programming study, design alternatives, view impact study) before irreversible decisions are made. He questioned whether placing the building in the original footprint was prohibited or merely poor practice.
• Neil Gray (native Newport resident, power engineering background) praised the design team's presentation and asked if limited parking could be provided near the south side of the new building for disabled access to the harbor master. He emphasized that the building's architectural quality is critical to Newport's image.
• A resident (name not given) noted that the Donahue Visitor Center, 500 feet away, has public restrooms and suggested better signage. He proposed making Long Wharf one-way to reclaim public space for the park and opposed a rooftop deck.
• Henry Springle (long-time resident) recommended building the harbor master facility on the existing shed site (near Long Wharf) using pilings to create covered storage and parking, arguing the site has better views and no height constraints.
• David McCurdy (35 Palm Street, captain) stressed the need for the harbor master office to remain on site for emergency response and port security. He also stated that the existing public restrooms are essential and cannot be removed.
• A resident (Carroll Avenue, marine business) called the meeting transparent and clarified that the existing building site is not an option due to storm drains and tie-backs. He urged focusing on facts and moving forward.
• A resident complained about summer traffic congestion and questioned how the new facility would manage exiting, entering, and parking.
• Captain for Save the Bay (40-year resident) stated that the harbor master office must remain in Parati Park for harbor management and security. The public restrooms are the only year-round ones in the city and are desperately needed.
• Joy Lamora (316 Swans Wharf) asked about the safety of the current bulkhead and whether the park should be closed until repaired. She expressed concern that increasing cruise ship traffic is overwhelming the park and creating public safety issues.
• Tim Ferry (306 Lines Wharf Road) noted that the Gateway Center has 13 women's rooms and 3 men's stalls, but added that buses lining up on the sidewalk create dangerous conditions.
• Dave Johnson (37-year local) thanked the team for transparency and supported the harbor master facility. Harbormaster Steve Land responded by comparing Newport to Block Island and explaining that the facility provides bathrooms, showers, and laundry for visiting boaters, and that the office is essential for residents to access the water.
• Hank Nisker (former Waterfront Commission member) emphasized the importance of the Harbor Management Plan, the public trust doctrine, and the "common good." He used the example of the fireboat, which became a seagoing ambulance and lithium battery firefighter, to illustrate that good planning can yield unexpected benefits.
• Ryan Miller (Newport Maritime Alliance) supported the need for bathrooms and suggested transplanting existing trees rather than cutting them. He advocated for a forward-facing tourism component in the building and referenced the old Government Landing building's architecture for inspiration.
• A real estate professional noted that maritime activity generates revenue for the city and that the welcoming facility is important.
• Ryan Duffy (Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety) stressed that the harbor master deputies are first responders and need immediate access to their boats for water emergencies. The facility's location is critical for public safety.
• Mark Fontaine (fourth-generation Newporter, home designer) praised the thorough presentation and supported moving the building out of the VE flood zone. He suggested extending the second floor over the V zone on piers to gain meeting space without blocking hillside views, and noted that rooftop decks are rarely used.
• B. Grimmett asked about the harbor walk approval. Land confirmed that Treadway Hotel approached the city to allow a harbor walk in front of their property; it has received zoning and planning approvals and will connect Perrotti Park to Bowen's Wharf by summer 2028.
• Chris Myers (Operations Manager, Block Island Ferry) thanked the city for replacing the bulkhead and docks. He expressed hope that the ferry ticket office will continue to have a presence in the new building, though with less space than currently.
• Linda Stevenson (President, Friends of the Waterfront) confirmed that public access will increase, not decrease. Her group has been working with the Treadway Hotel on the harbor walk easement, which is secure. Long Wharf public access will also improve.
• Ann Johnson (Block Island Ferry ticketing agent) described daily crowds waiting for restrooms before 8 AM. She explained that many people visit the harbor master office for dinghy passes, mooring questions, and incident reports. Tourists are blocked by the hotel fence when seeking the harbor walk. She asked about tree heights vs. building height; architect responded that the building would be about 20-24 feet tall, trees may be taller, and zoning allows up to 45 feet.
• Henry DePedro (Waterfront Commission member) reiterated the importance of the harbor master office for security and suggested relocating cruise ship buses to the Navy base as a long-term solution.

Discussion Items

• Bulkhead and Dock Replacement (Steve Land, Harbormaster): The existing bulkhead sheet piles are rusted with holes, and tie rods have failed. The system currently relies only on 7 feet of mud embedment and is at risk of failure. The new design will use a concrete cap rail, install new sheet piles, tie rods, and a deeper deadman. The entire 480-foot bulkhead will be replaced starting November 2026. The three southern concrete docks (29 years old, past usable life) will also be replaced. Due to the new bulkhead shifting outward 18-20 inches, the entire marina will shift, requiring new pilings and gangway structures ("gazebos"). The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 (winter 2026-2027) = bulkhead, docks, and an interim park with asphalt, loam, lighting, and benches (no trees or bricks). Phase 2 = permanent building and park redesign.
• Building Site Constraints and Recommended Relocation (Lee Davison, BAA Studio): The existing building violates property line setbacks, occupies a 20-foot stormwater easement (42-inch pipe handling majority of downtown stormwater), sits above the bulkhead deadman and tie rods (which require access for future maintenance), and is partially located in the FEMA VE (velocity) flood zone. Relocating the building to the north (within the AE zone) allows a single-story grade-level entrance without requiring 110 feet of ramp. The proposed new footprint is roughly equivalent to the current building's footprint. The ground floor will house public restrooms (expanded from current 1 men's, 4 women's to include family restroom), a small ticket office, and the harbor master office on the second floor. A second-floor overhang provides shade and covered space.
• Design Goals and Approaches (Lee Davison, Jonas Gaspin): The project aims to enhance public access to the harbor, create a connected harbor walk (coordination with Treadway Hotel), implement long-term sustainability and resiliency, maintain critical public services, and create a landmark that respects Newport's architectural heritage. Three design approaches were presented: (A) Two-story building with covered water-side area, (B) Two-story with a third-floor rooftop deck accessible via elevator/stair, (C) Three-story with public meeting room on third floor facing the water. These are conceptual and not final; community feedback will guide selection.
• Budget (Steve Land): Voters approved $20 million. Current contracts cover bulkhead, docks, pilings, gazebos, interim park construction, and engineering/architecture services (GZA as city engineers). The project is on budget.
• Tree and Open Space Commission Process (Maureen Cronen): The commission will hold its first public input session on July 29, 2026 (next week) to discuss green infrastructure, park layout, and plantings. No designs have been created yet. They emphasize that no green space will be lost; some may be gained.

Key Outcomes

• The bulkhead replacement will begin in November 2026 to prevent failure. This phase is proceeding regardless of final building design.
• An interim park (asphalt, loam, lighting, benches) will be open for summer 2027. Public restrooms will be provided via trailers.
• The Waterfront Commission will discuss the project at its August 2026 meeting.
• The Tree and Open Space Commission's first public session on the park design will take place July 29, 2026 in City Council Chambers.
• City Council will make final decisions on the building and park design based on commission recommendations and public input.
• The harbor walk connection between Perrotti Park and Bowen's Wharf (via Treadway Hotel) is approved and expected to open by summer 2028, significantly improving public access.
• No final building design has been selected; three conceptual approaches will be refined through further community engagement.