Newport Planning Board Meeting – September 18, 2026

The Newport Planning Board convened on September 18, 2026 at approximately 11:30 AM (the meeting concluded at 6:58 PM). The primary business was a certification of consistency with the Comprehensive Plan for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application supporting the rehabilitation of Mumford Manor, a 34‑unit affordable housing complex for residents aged 62 and older. The board also received updates on demolitions, liaison reports, the Comprehensive Plan update process, and several transportation planning initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the June 1, 2026 meeting. Motion carried without opposition.

Discussion Items

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Affordable Housing Round / Mumford Manor: Staff recommended a finding that the CDBG application is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. The application requests $750,000 from the Rhode Island Community Block Grant Program to rehabilitate Mumford Manor, a historic 1909 school building converted to 34 one‑bedroom affordable housing units for residents 62 and older (originally converted in 1982 by Church Community Housing Corporation). Stephanie Boko (representing the real estate development programming corporation, standing in for city CDBG administrator Bob Plain) answered questions. The funds will be used for utility upgrades, solar panel replacement, fire suppression system improvements, and other safety upgrades. Residents will not be displaced; existing vacancies and intra‑building relocation will be used during construction. The board voted to accept the staff report and then voted unanimously to find the project in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan.

Administrative Actions

• Demolitions: Two demolition permits were reported for information only: 46 East Bowery Street (demolish a 1.5‑story single‑family home to build a new single‑family home) and 194 Cogshaw (demolish a 2‑story single‑family home to build a new single‑family home). Both are one‑for‑one replacements. No board action required; no questions were raised.

Liaison Reports

• Tree and Open Space Commission: The commission continues its work on protecting trees and open space. Concern was noted about Newport’s relatively small tree canopy compared to comparable communities, highlighted in Comprehensive Plan data. Agitation about tree removal in development projects was mentioned.
• Waterfront Commission: The commission has held two public hearings on Parate Park and will hold a third at the end of September. Feedback has been positive, but some public confusion remains; a public information campaign is being considered to explain the investment and benefits.
• Energy and Environment Commission: The meeting was missed due to a time change, but minutes indicate discussions on the composting pilot, solar updates, and the theme plan update, aligning with Comprehensive Plan work.

Comprehensive Plan Update

• Focus Groups & Open House: Staff (Frederick and Sunny) reported that four second‑round focus groups (boiled down from 12–13 first‑round groups) were held at the library and Innovate Newport, with very good turnout and “real traction.” The consulting team (Interface) is now synthesizing feedback. An open house for the public is scheduled for August 27, 2026 at City Hall (starting at 5:30 PM, ending at 8 PM). If weather permits, the event will begin outside with ice cream or a Dels truck, then move into council chambers with informational stations by chapter. Planning board members are being asked to volunteer as “stewards” at stations based on their focus group participation or expertise; an RSVP and a pre‑workshop virtual session will be arranged. Advisory committee members (about 30 community members) will participate differently, sharing perspectives from their breakout groups.
• Council Workshop: A workshop with the City Council revealed that long‑time council members felt past planning efforts had failed and asked how new strategies would differ. Board members stressed the need for creative, evidence‑based approaches and case examples, particularly for economic development alternatives to tourism and hotels. Staff indicated the upcoming advisory committee meeting will focus on such case studies.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission / Transportation Updates

• Safe Streets for All Grants: Newport is a beneficiary of two federal Safe Streets for All grants. A large $4 million island‑wide implementation grant (awarded last December) is being finalized; a five‑year completion clock will start once the agreement is signed. A second planning grant focuses on Third Street in front of the Navy Hospital, to augment the safety action plan and position the area for future funding.
• One‑Way Street Study (Spring–Thames): Bowman Engineering was selected to study the system of narrow one‑way streets between Spring and Thames streets. The study will assess opportunities to adjust traffic patterns, add pedestrian and bike facilities, and address parking and safety issues (e.g., oversized trucks, sidewalk parking). A series of four public meetings is planned, with the first on August 18, 2026 (workshop style, with boards and engineers).
• Federal Policy Concerns: A board member asked whether recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance requiring grant oversight by a political appointee could affect these grants, given potential policy misalignment. Staff reported no impact to date; the grants passed review prior to the new guidance. One project on Narragansett Avenue now requires that transit lanes not be narrowed, but otherwise the program is proceeding. Multiple board members noted the strength of the island‑wide coalition as a factor in the grants’ survival.

Key Outcomes

• CDBG Certification: The board found the Mumford Manor CDBG application ($750,000) to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan (unanimous vote).
• Demolitions: Accepted for information; no action required.
• Comprehensive Plan: The August 27 open house and a pre‑workshop for board members are confirmed. Staff will provide slides and materials ahead of time.
• Transportation Studies: The safe streets agreements are being finalized; the one‑way street study public process begins August 18.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM.