The final draft of the North End Urban Plan will be formally delivered to the Planning Board at their meeting on Monday. The purpose and goal of the North End Urban Plan has been to build a community vision for future development of the North End community, with design guidelines and zoning regulations to ensure that development will have a characteristic Newport feel and will be a place that our community is comfortable and happy living in. The adoption of the Plan and new zoning regulations by the City Council will be critical to give the Planning and Zoning Boards the tools to enforce the community's vision for development. Community participation and input has been essential in the creation of the Plan, and the City Council and the Planning Board are working to ensure that there are multiple opportunities for the public to comment, ask questions, and evaluate the final draft document. The Planning Board will be scheduling future meetings and workshops to perform an in-depth review of the draft plan with ample public participation.
This week the City of Newport was awarded a $75,000 grant from the State to help businesses “Take It Outside” as we continue to protect public health into the coolers months. The City applied for this grant and will be working with our local businesses to provide tents, heaters, and other equipment that will help them keep their outdoor spaces available and comfortable for patrons as the temperatures drop. It is important that we as a City Council and Administration continue to find every possible way to be a solid partner with our local business community as we continue to fight COVID-19.
There are 30 days until Election Day. There are three ways to vote in the general election: by mail, early voting, or in person at the polls on Election Day. If you are planning to vote by mail, the deadline to send in your mail ballot application is October 13. The Secretary of State will begin sending ballots this week to those who've requested them, so keep an eye out. Early voting at City Hall begins October 14. If you plan to vote on November 3, make sure to check your voting location before you head to the polls.