COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation and we are no exception in Rhode Island or Newport. It is extremely important to follow the RIDOH guidelines to prevent spread. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your contact bubble small. I know this is especially difficult as we head into the holiday season, but it is important to prevent a full-scale lockdown like we had in the spring. A lockdown of that scale will have a strong negative impact on our economy and jobs in our community; many small local businesses are teetering on the edge and cannot handle another lockdown. Pandemic fatigue is real, but we must remain focused on keeping ourselves, our loved ones, and our community healthy. I encourage you to attend the City’s weekly COVID-19 status update this Wednesday at 4:30. These meetings provide the latest information on the City’s response and how all of us in Newport can work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On Monday, the School Building Committee is meeting at 5 pm – this committee has been in place for nearly 3 years and has guided the development of the School Bond and now will guide the construction of the new high school and the addition to Pell Elementary School. There are many opportunities for the public to be involved in the process to build a new school – if you are interested, I encourage you to attend Monday’s meeting.
At 5:00 pm on Wednesday, the Council is resuming our workshop with National Grid that was cut short by technical issues last week. National Grid is presenting their proposed plans for natural gas storage on Aquidneck Island for review and discussion by the Council and the public. It is an opportunity for you to learn more about National Grid’s local infrastructure concepts and to ask questions and give your feedback.
Immediately following the National Grid workshop, the Planning Board will again discuss the North End Urban Plan Wednesday at 6:00 pm. There have been several Planning Board meetings throughout the progression of the plan, and at this meeting the Board will be focused on the amendments they have developed and proposed to address concerns raised by the public and the city government. The North End Urban Plan, along with the associated zoning to implement its vision, will shape the North End of Newport and impact our entire City. For example, it will determine the type of development that is allowed in the area and can prevent it from being solely focused on a single industry. It is critical that we take our time to get this right and ensure that our community’s needs are accurately represented.
Finally, I want to thank Councilor Justin McLaughlin and Vice Chair Susan Taylor for their service on the City Council. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with both of them and Newport has benefited from their knowledge and talent. I am looking forward to beginning the next term and working with our new Council to continue the efforts that we’ve begun in the last two years.