Newport City Council Meeting: July 22, 2026 – Waterfront Access, Drones, and Nitro Bar License

The Newport City Council met on July 22, 2026, at 11:45 AM to discuss a range of items including a special event permit at Perry Mill Wharf, a police drone program, a sidewalk cafe license renewal for Nitro Bar, and several capital projects. Key votes and debates focused on public waterfront access, new public safety technology, and disability access concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar (items 5 and 1D excepted) with a unanimous voice vote.
• Approved a special event license for Midtown Race Club LLC d/b/a Surf Club Summer Party at 1 Perry Mill Wharf on August 15, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., contingent upon a meeting between the applicant, city staff, and Friends of the Waterfront prior to the event (vote: all ayes, none opposed).
• Received a communication from the Tree and Open Space Commission supporting the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker project (voice vote, unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pete Rice: Reported that restrooms in King Park are in poor condition and stated the city response – replacement in two years – was "insulting." He requested immediate attention.
• Linda Stevenson (President, Friends of the Waterfront): Asked whether a street closure was being requested for the Surf Club event; applicant later clarified it was a clerical error. She urged the council to deny the permit unless the applicant meets with Friends of the Waterfront, city staff, and waterfront commissioners within 30 days to address ongoing public access issues at Perry Mill Wharf, citing repeated obstructions since September 2025.
• AJ Pizzano (Warner Street resident): Spoke in support of Nitro Bar's sidewalk cafe renewal, arguing that the outdoor seating on Pond Avenue is separate from the line on Broadway, and that the business has been a positive community asset. He opposed revoking the permit.

Discussion Items

• Midtown Race Club (Surf Club Event): Councilman Carlin showed photos of obstructions at the waterfront right-of-way, stating he would not vote for the permit until access issues are resolved. Applicant Patrick Kilroy stated the right-of-way was clear as of that morning and offered to meet with Friends of the Waterfront. The council approved the permit contingent on a meeting before the event.
• Flock Safety Drone System (Item 6659): Chief of Police Ryan Duffy presented a three-year, $375,000 contract for a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, funded by a private donation from Peter Kiernan. The system provides aerial awareness for police, fire, harbor search and rescue, infrastructure inspections, and FEMA disaster documentation. Council members questioned data control, privacy, and coverage area; Duffy confirmed the city owns the data and a public transparency portal will be used. The motion to approve passed unanimously (voice vote).
• Nitro Bar Sidewalk Cafe Renewal: Councilman Carlin attempted to introduce photos of the business's other location but failed (3-3 vote). A letter from disability advocate Annette Boubanier was read, stating wheelchair users and others cannot pass due to blocked sidewalks, and that complaints have been ignored. Owners Audrey Finocaro and Sam Lincaster said they have not spoken with Boubanier but are willing to meet and remove stanchions. After debate, the council voted 4-3 to approve the renewal; the owners agreed to coordinate with the disability advocate.
• Newport Middle Passage Port Marker: Project leaders Vicky J, Stephen White, and designer Julian Bonder presented the design – a 16-foot-tall, 30x40-foot oval structure of laminated timber with vertical slats, meant to be a transparent, illuminated memorial. Councilman Carlin urged caution about timing, noting three new council members take office December 1. The council received the communication unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (all voice votes, unanimous unless noted):
  • Consent calendar (except items 5 and 1D).
  • Surf Club event permit (contingent on meeting).
  • Flock Safety drone contract ($375,000).
  • Nitro Bar sidewalk cafe renewal (4-3 vote).
  • Council liaison to Conexión Latina Newport (Councilwoman Pinnock).
  • Appointments to Resiliency & Sustainability Fund Steering Committee (7 members).
  • Reappointment of Tracy Shea to Juvenile Hearing Board.
  • Resolutions for Abraham Toro and Judah Toro fund distributions (for synagogue repairs).
  • Communication supporting fluoridation improvement.
  • Communication on Middle Passage Port Marker (design approval deferred to future resolution).
  • Grant acceptance from RI Emergency Management ($262,500 for core switching hardware).
  • Contract for Navy Hospital feasibility study (Brewster Thornton Group).
  • Rogers High School tennis court restoration ($390,408).
  • Splash pad at John Chafee Recreation Area ($421,642.73).
  • Playground replacement at Aquidneck Park ($180,007).
  • Purchase of Ford Transit cargo van ($62,880.50).
  • Contract for K Street/Turo Street/Bellevue Avenue signal redesign ($168,400).
  • FEMA flood audit pilot program application (up to $300,000 federal, $100,000 local match).
  • Amendment to water/wastewater rate study contract (increase of $585,168).
  • Acceptance of $1,433,647 DEM grant for Ann Street Pier expansion.
  • Second reading of ordinance to make Bridge Street westbound one-way (from Fame Street to America's Cup Avenue).
• Post-meeting: Signed two proclamations for Yvonne Alexander Smith related to Black American history.
• Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.