Newport Planning Board Meeting – November 2, 2026

At its regular meeting on November 2, 2026, the Newport Planning Board reviewed and approved a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consistency certification, granted preliminary approval for a minor subdivision at 66 Ocean Avenue, and adopted the 2027 regular meeting schedule. The board also received liaison reports from several city commissions.

Discussion Items

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consistency Certification – The board reviewed the CDBG application for Project Year 2026, which includes funding for public facilities such as a single-family home at 93 Eustace Avenue operated by Looking Upwards, providing housing for three adults with intellectual disabilities. Bob Plain of Church Community Housing, which administers the CDBG program for the city, answered board questions. The board unanimously voted to find that the proposed activities are not in conflict with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

• Minor Subdivision – 66 Ocean Avenue (PLN-26-10) – Attorney David Martland represented applicant Howard G. Cushing III and Ledges 66 LLC. The proposal subdivides an existing residential lot (334,428 sq ft) into two lots (Parcel A: 2.76 acres/120,017 sq ft; Parcel B: 4.92 acres/214,411 sq ft), each with an existing dwelling. The applicant also sought a dimensional variance to retain two accessory buildings on Parcel A currently 62.7 feet from the front property line (75 feet required). The board noted that staff found the hardship due to unique land characteristics, that the variance would not alter the surrounding area’s character, and that the hardship would be more than a mere inconvenience if denied. The board unanimously approved the dimensional variance and granted preliminary subdivision approval subject to conditions: final plan approval by the Administrative Officer; review and approval of private water service replacement plans by the Utilities Department; maintenance of historic district status for both lots; and recording of utility easements and a private roadway maintenance agreement. The public hearing was opened and closed; no public comments were received beyond one neighbor inquiring about the application.

• 2027 Regular Meeting Schedule – The board considered a proposed schedule of 12 meetings for 2027, with the first meeting on January 4, 2027. A board member noted that past practice had included no July meeting, but staff explained scheduling meetings in advance allows easier cancellation than rescheduling. The schedule was approved unanimously.

Liaison Reports

• Tree and Open Space Commission – Board member Patricia Antonelli reported that the commission reviewed plans for improvements at the Chafee skate park area (funded by CDBG) including lighting, bathrooms, a shade structure, and a splash pad. They also heard a preliminary presentation on a proposed landscaping ordinance.
• Waterfront Commission – Board member Richard Cromwell and John Greyshin noted that the last cruise ship of the season had departed, and winterization of the harbor (dock removal) was underway. Work on a new seawall at Roddy Park will begin over the winter.
• Energy and Environment Commission – Board member Jared Pimentel reported that meetings have moved to 6:30 p.m. Updates included a solar project at Rogers High School (letter of intent signed with a vendor), a sustainable events project reducing plastic waste, bus route planning with RIPTA, and the composting project growing to 1,155 users. A pumpkin recovery/smashing event was scheduled for November 3, 2026 at First Beach from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Comprehensive Plan Update Working Group – Staff noted the working group is in initial draft review with iterative back-and-forth. The first chunk (housing, transportation, introduction, and appendices) is under staff review. A public review and hearing schedule will be shared later.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission – Staff planner Tuli Martin reported on the Safe Streets for All grant awarded to Aquidneck Island communities. The grant agreement is being finalized; the city has five years to implement safety measures with no extensions. Design work is expected to start within a month.

Key Outcomes

• CDBG Consistency Certification: Approved unanimously. Board Chair signed the certification form after the vote.
• Minor Subdivision (66 Ocean Ave): Dimensional variance and preliminary subdivision approval granted unanimously, with five conditions as detailed above.
• 2027 Meeting Schedule: Adopted unanimously. The schedule includes 12 regular meetings, with the first on January 4, 2027.
• Liaison Reports: All reports were received as informational; no board action was required.