During the City Council meeting this Wednesday, we will be discussing and voting on a Green and Complete Streets Ordinance. Green and Complete Streets are streets that have been designed with all road users in mind and safety at the forefront. The standards of Green and Complete Streets also address environmental issues such as stormwater runoff, roadway flooding, street trees, and green space. It is a policy that addresses the issues on our roads now and ensures that any roadwork is done with thoughtful planning for the future.
This ordinance has been in the works for quite some time – beginning with a resolution that I submitted in September 2018, which was rejected by that council. After that setback, I continued to work with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and other concerned Newport residents to make a Green and Complete Streets policy a reality for Newport. In December 2019, the Council passed a new resolution that I submitted with then-Councilor Taylor to keep the effort moving forward.
To make the ordinance before us this week as strong as possible, the 2019 resolution directed that the City Solicitor's office work with the Planning Department, Public Services Department, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, and multiple civic organizations. The Newport Health Equity Zone, Bike Newport, and Newport for All Ages are just some of the organizations that have been involved in the development of the ordinance that will come before the Council on Wednesday. A working group was formed and worked for almost 14 months to develop Newport's ordinance and Green and Complete Streets policy. The group has drafted a policy and ordinance that will improve Newport in both the near and long term.
Throughout my time on the Newport City Council, our residents and local organizations have continuously spoken up about the need for safer and more sustainable roadways. This ordinance will help us get there.