Joint Information Session on Perrotti Park Redevelopment and Harbor Master Facility – July 23, 2026

On July 23, 2026, the Waterfront Commission and Tree and Open Space Commission co-hosted an information session to present the proposed redevelopment of Perrotti Park, which includes critical bulkhead replacement, dock reconstruction, park renovation, and construction of a new Harbor Master facility. The meeting featured presentations from City staff and the design team, followed by extensive public comment. No votes were taken; the session was informational.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Anderson (Save Perrotti Park) expressed concern that the project represents a "bait and switch" from the $20 million bond approved by voters in 2024, and requested written answers on budget and scope before proceeding.
• Bart Dunbar (former committee member) noted that the harbormaster facility has been planned from the very beginning of the cruise ship program and is essential.
• President of Brick Marketplace Condo Association (representing ~80 condominium owners) requested technical analysis for the building size, design alternatives, view impact studies, and an explanation of why a smaller footprint would not meet operational needs.
• Neil Gray (native, power engineer) expressed initial apprehension but was impressed by the view corridor analysis; suggested creating limited parking for harbormaster access and stressed that the building design should be a landmark.
• Unnamed speaker suggested exploring one-way traffic on Long Wharf to reclaim public space, noted the existing public restrooms at the Gateway Center 500 feet away, and preferred a simpler building without a roof deck.
• Henry Springle (resident) proposed an alternative location for harbormaster operations at the shed with pilings for storage, which has parking and would preserve more park space.
• David McCurdy (captain) emphasized the importance of security and public restrooms at Perrotti Park, recounting a security incident well-managed by the harbormaster.
• Unnamed resident praised the transparency of the meeting, stated the bulkhead replacement is necessary and the new building footprint matches the existing, and that rebuilding on the current site is not an option due to constraints.
• Unnamed speaker complained about traffic congestion from cruise ship buses and suggested relocating bus operations outside the park.
• Save the Bay captain and 40‑year resident stressed the harbormaster office must remain in the park to maintain secure port status and that Perrotti Park restrooms are the only public restrooms in Newport (aside from decrepit Mary Street facilities), and are essential.
• Unnamed resident (316 Swans Wharf) supported bulkhead repair but expressed concern that the park is too small to handle growing numbers of cruise visitors, and suggested relocating the cruise terminal to another waterfront site.
• Tim Ferry (306 Long Wharf Road) countered that the Gateway Center has 13 women’s rooms and sufficient capacity, but acknowledged lines at Perrotti Park; worried that the new building and buses will squeeze sidewalk space.
• Dave Johnson (37‑year resident) called the presentation transparent, supported the harbormaster facility, and asked about best practices at other harbors; Harbormaster Land responded that Newport should have a premier facility.
• Ryan Miller (Maritime Alliance) said bathroom need is critical for boaters, urged saving trees via translocation, proposed a forward‑facing tourism welcome function, and cited the old Government Landing building as architectural inspiration.
• Police Chief Ryan Duffy highlighted that harbormaster deputies are first responders and need immediate access to their assets for water emergencies.
• Mark Fontaine (fourth‑generation Newport resident, home designer) praised the thoroughness of the presentation, suggested the second floor could cantilever over the V zone to avoid a third floor and still gain square footage, and noted that rooftop decks are rarely used by residents.
• B. Grimmett (resident) asked about the harbor walk and Treadway Inn involvement; Harbormaster Land confirmed coordination with the Treadway redevelopment to create a continuous harbor walk from Perrotti Park to Bowers and Banisters.
• Chris Myers (Block Island Ferry operations manager) thanked the city for replacing the bulkhead and docks, expressed support for the harbor walk, and hoped to continue a ticket office presence in the new building.
• Linda Stevenson (Friends of the Waterfront) confirmed that a public access easement for the harbor walk is being drafted, and that the project will increase, not decrease, public access.
• Ann Johnson (Block Island Ferry ticket seller) described the heavy daily use of the building’s restrooms and the flow of people needing harbormaster services; she found the explanation of site constraints helpful and asked about building height relative to trees (architect responded building ~20–24 feet, trees may be taller but height not measured).
• Henry DePedro (Waterfront Commission member) asserted the harbormaster office is vital for public safety and proposed modeling cruise bus loading at the Navy base as a long‑term solution.

Discussion Items

• Harbormaster Steve Land explained the bulkhead failure: sheet pile rusted, tie rods and deadman degraded, requiring replacement within 480 feet of waterfront. He confirmed the $20 million bond is on track—docks, bulkhead, pilings, gazebos, and temporary park construction are under contract. Phase 1 (bulkhead/docks) begins November 2026; the park will be temporarily asphalted for summer 2027. Phase 2 (building and permanent park) follows.
• Lee Davison (BAA Studio) outlined key constraints: property setback, a 20‑foot‑wide stormwater easement (42” pipe) running under the existing building, the deadman and tie rods that necessitate removal of the building, and FEMA flood zones (VE at elevation 13). These prevent rebuilding on the existing footprint; the new site is in the AE zone, allowing a grade‑level entrance with dry floodproofing. The building footprint is equivalent to the existing but rotated to open views and connect a continuous harbor walk.
• Jonas Gaspin (VIA Studio) presented three design approaches: (1) two‑story building with ground‑floor restrooms and ticketing, second‑floor harbormaster and meeting space; (2) adding a roof deck for public use; (3) rotating the volume to create a third‑floor public room facing the water. Design decisions will be guided by community input and the goal of enhancing public harbor access.

Key Outcomes

• Next Steps: The Tree and Open Space Commission will hold a dedicated public input session on July 29, 2026, focusing on park and green infrastructure design. The Waterfront Commission will discuss the project at its August 2026 meeting.
• Timeline: Bulkhead construction starts November 2026; the entire project is targeted for completion by summer 2028.
• Process: No decisions on building design were made; the community is encouraged to participate in upcoming commission meetings. The City Council will ultimately approve the final design.