What'sUpNewp Podcast

Molly Kapstein Cote, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is positioning herself as a problem-solver with a fresh perspective on the city's educational challenges.

In an interview with What'sUpNewp on Monday, September 30, Cote outlined her vision for Newport's public schools, emphasizing the need for improved communication and a data-driven approach to student success.

Cote, who moved to Newport five years ago, brings a background in law and higher education to her campaign. She currently serves as the chief policy officer for the state's commissioner on higher education.

"I'm very data driven, I'm very results driven," Cote said, describing her approach to policy-making. "I think what it's going to take to get there in a perfect world, I think, and again, I'm open to anything that is going to get our students the most resources, the best education, and result in the most student success."

Cote highlighted the importance of defining clear roles for each school in the district and setting specific, measurable goals. She pointed to reading and math as critical areas needing improvement.

"Newport is terribly behind the curve in these two subjects," Cote said. "And in order to graduate students who can successfully follow a career path, they need those skills."

The candidate also stressed the need to strengthen partnerships with local resources and explore additional funding opportunities, including state grants and private partnerships.

Despite acknowledging challenges, Cote expressed optimism about the current state of Newport's public schools. "I actually think that we're at a much better place than people realize," she said, noting the strong community support for the schools.

Cote emphasized the importance of addressing the unique needs of every student, particularly in light of the district's diverse population. "We have a 40% Latino population in our school system now," she said. "Some people think that's a challenge. I think it's an incredible opportunity."

If elected, Cote aims to improve communication between the school committee and the city council, particularly regarding budget matters. She stressed the importance of presenting realistic budgets and being accountable for results.

"We need to be able to go to the city council, have a good relationship with them, be able to talk with them," Cote said. "And if we're asking for money, present a budget that's realistic with what we would plan to do with it, and then be accountable for following through and attaining those goals and returning deliverables."

Cote's campaign has received positive feedback from various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and employers. She emphasized her willingness to listen to diverse perspectives and work collaboratively to find solutions.

"I just want to gather as much information as I can and join a team where we can do the best we can do for our community and for our students," Cote said.

The candidate expressed confidence in Newport's potential to become a system of excellence, noting that the district's post-secondary attainment rates are not far from the state average.

"We have a little way to go in Newport, but it's a realistic distance," Cote said. "And if we kind of focus on that in some way, I think that's going to be the string that kind of pulls students to success, from Pell to Thompson to Rogers to their future."

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 5, with early voting beginning in mid-October. Cote encouraged voters to reach out to her with questions or concerns, stating she is "happy to talk to anyone" about her vision for Newport's schools.

Cote's email address [email protected].

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Matt Grant, a candidate for Newport City Council's Ward 2 seat, is focusing his campaign on restoring civility in local politics, addressing housing affordability, and improving environmental resilience.

Grant, a software engineer for Peloton and supporter of his wife's local business, Bellevue Boards, shared his vision for Newport during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Monday, September 30.

"I wanted to get more active in my local community," Grant said, explaining his decision to run for city council. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating "what positive, effective leadership can look like" and fostering civil discourse among council members.

Housing affordability emerged as a top concern for Ward 2 residents, according to Grant. "We're currently renters. Would love to be able to buy in Newport and plant down some permanent roots. With the affordability crisis that we have right now, it's looking like more of a dream than a reality," he said.

Grant expressed disappointment that a recent resolution for a moratorium on short-term rentals in business districts did not pass. He stated, "I just don't see the advantage for the public of having any more of them."

Environmental resilience is another key priority for Grant. He highlighted the need for a proactive approach to challenges like increased storm intensity and frequency. "Ward 2 also has Easton's Beach and Easton's Pond. That's a huge focus of mine," Grant said, noting the erosion of Easton's Beach at a rate of 1.5 feet per year.

Grant also addressed the relationship between the city council and school committee, calling for more constructive interactions. "What I do want to bring to the council in the Ward 2 seat would just be that willingness to sit down and talk things out in a forum or format that is not the city council meeting," he said.

On the topic of transparency, Grant criticized the council's handling of the city manager search process and the Easton's Beach carousel issue. He advocated for a more forward-thinking approach to infrastructure challenges, stating, "We need to make sure that we're thinking forward and protecting that water supply as best we can."

Grant expressed support for term limits and a permanent charter review commission. He also emphasized the importance of including small businesses in discussions about tourism and economic development.

The candidate is actively campaigning, with a weekly canvassing schedule posted on his Instagram page. He encouraged voters to attend upcoming events, including a Ward 2 candidate conversation hosted by the Top of the Hill Association on Oct. 21 at the Newport Public Library.

Grant's opponent in the Ward 2 race is Lynn Underwood Ceglie, who previously held the seat and is now running again after serving as an At-Large councilor. The current Ward 2 representative, Charlie Holder, is seeking an At-Large seat in this election.

Newport residents can visit mattfornewport.com to determine if they live in Ward 2 and learn more about Grant's campaign.

Early voting for the general election begins on October 16, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 5.

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The Newport City Council voted Wednesday night to rescind a controversial $81 sewer fee increase that had sparked public outcry. The decision came after officials discovered miscalculations in the original fee structure.

Vice Chair Lynn Ceglie explained the situation during a conversation with What'sUpNewp on Saturday morning, saying, "There were mistakes, there were miscalculations made. You know, it's not typical that that happens. So I think it all caught us by surprise."

The fee, which was intended to fund necessary stormwater infrastructure improvements, will now revert to its previous level while the city recalculates and explores alternative funding methods.

"We do have to do something about our stormwater. We need to work on our pipes," Ceglie said, emphasizing the ongoing need for infrastructure maintenance despite the fee rescission.

In a more contentious decision, the council was split 3-3 on a proposed moratorium on new short-term rentals in commercial districts. Councilor Ceglie, along with Councilors Napolitano and Holder, voted against the measure.

Ceglie explained her opposition, stating, "I didn't [see] any evidence to support that and there really aren't even that many units that would be… that would qualify."

She added, "I do believe that our business district should be our business district. And our residential district should be our residential district."

The council had previously banned non-owner occupied short-term rentals in residential areas, primarily due to quality of life concerns. Ceglie noted the difficulty in enforcing such restrictions in commercial areas.

"In the commercial district, I think the enforcement would be almost impossible," she said.

The meeting, held at Pell Elementary School, also addressed several infrastructure projects. These included approvals for the King Park Seawall and Murphy Field tennis and basketball court restorations.

Ceglie highlighted the significant costs associated with these projects, saying, "Even the tennis courts, you know, and then the basketball court, it's going to cost $250,000 just to resurface them."

The council also discussed the potential relocation of a historic carousel, with Ceglie noting the challenges in finding an appropriate location. "It's got to be in a place that's going to have the kids there," she said.

In response to traffic concerns, Ceglie mentioned a recent resolution she introduced to examine parking for large events more holistically. This comes after observations of improved traffic flow during a recent golf tournament that utilized remote parking areas.

"I think we really did hit a point where it was very difficult to navigate, particularly in some of the side streets," Ceglie said, referring to this summer's increased congestion.

The council also approved a change in the direction of Dixon Street following resident concerns about safety. Ceglie supported the decision, citing an upcoming traffic study that will evaluate its impact.

Looking ahead, Ceglie promoted the upcoming Broadway Street Fair on Oct. 12, calling for volunteers and highlighting the event's offerings, including vendors and a beer garden.

As Newport grapples with issues ranging from infrastructure funding to housing and tourism management, the council continues to seek balance between resident needs and economic considerations.

"We need a balance between the residents and our economy that contributes a lot to our economy," Ceglie said. "You can't look your nose up at six or $7 million a year."

Newport's tourism industry is finding its footing after experiencing dramatic swings during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, told What'sUpNewp during a one-on-one conversation on Thursday.

"We just went through a deep valley and then a high peak," Smith said. "The deep valley was Covid, probably the worst nine months ever for the travel industry, nationally and internationally."

Smith explained that when travel restrictions eased, Newport saw a rapid rebound. "When people got the freedom to travel again, we quickly escalated to one of the highest mountains we've ever been on the highest peak."

This year, however, has seen a leveling off. While some numbers are down from last year's peak, they remain above 2019 levels, Smith noted.

The tourism landscape continues to evolve, with visitors seeking new experiences. "People are looking for new activities and new experiences that they can find," Smith said, highlighting the diversity of offerings in Newport and surrounding communities.

Addressing concerns about over-tourism, Smith acknowledged that Newport reaches saturation points during peak periods, particularly on about 14 summer weekends. However, he emphasized that this is not the case year-round.

"We're touching that red point of saturation, certainly. I don't think that the numbers support that we're oversaturated midweek or on the shoulder seasons or in the dead of winter," Smith said.

Discover Newport is working to mitigate these issues by promoting off-peak travel and spreading visitors across the region's nine towns. The organization also sponsors initiatives to improve mobility, including a free summer shuttle that Smith says has significantly reduced car traffic.

"When we made it free, we moved ridership from 50,000 to 150,000 people," Smith said. "We took 70,000 cars off the road by just managing that one sponsorship."

The conversation around tourism in Newport has recently focused on taxation, with some city council members proposing increased fees for non-residents. Smith urged a more balanced approach, highlighting the significant revenue the city already generates from tourism.

"Newport's making close to $5 million in its lodging tax, it's making 3.3 million in its meals tax, it's making $400,000 on mooring fees," Smith said, adding that the travel and tourism industry is worth over a billion dollars to the city.

Smith called for a "kinder and gentler conversation" about tourism's role in Newport, emphasizing the need for sustainability that benefits residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Looking to the future, Smith suggested that now might be the perfect time for Newport to develop a comprehensive tourism master plan. This would be distinct from Discover Newport's marketing plan, instead focusing on how tourism should be integrated into the community.

"I think that this is a perfect time for a tourism master plan done by an accomplished, well-respected third-party consultant to come in," Smith said. He expressed Discover Newport's willingness to partner with city officials on such an initiative.

As for his own future, Smith remained coy about rumors of his potential retirement, saying only that the Discover Newport board would release a statement about his future with the organization in late October.

"You know, I've heard those rumors too. People tapping me on the shoulder. So the answer for today, Ryan, is that our 18-member board will be releasing a statement about my future with the organization sometime late in October. So I don't mean to dodge your question right now, but the… As Peter Paul Mary said, the answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. But you got to wait until the end of October for the answer to that one," Smith said.

Regardless of what comes next, Smith emphasized the ongoing importance of resident engagement in shaping Newport's tourism landscape. He encouraged locals to be ambassadors for their city and to continue sharing ideas and feedback.

"I hope that we can have healthy communication line with residents," Smith said. "Because I can't say enough about an organization like Newport in Bloom. Those people have great civic pride in our community."

The Newport City Council is set to tackle two major issues at tonight's meeting: a reversal of the recent sewer rate change and a proposed moratorium on short-term rentals in business districts.

Councilor Charlie Holder announced plans to move the sewer rate item to the top of the agenda, acknowledging a mistake in the council's previous decision.

"We made a mistake in judgement of what we were doing. The intention was to help the full-time residents with the sewer rate charge, and it didn't work out that way," Holder said.

The council will vote to revert to the previous billing method until a better plan can be developed. Residents who have already paid the new rates will receive refunds.

This swift action comes after a workshop last week that drew about 60 residents. Holder noted the unusually high level of public engagement on this issue.

"I've had a ton of phone calls, emails, literally. People stop me on the street everywhere I go," he said.

The meeting, originally scheduled for City Hall, has been moved to Pell Elementary School due to an elevator outage. It will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Another contentious item on the agenda is the proposed moratorium on short-term rentals in business districts. The first reading two weeks ago passed 5-2, with Holder voting against it.

"I don't think we should be banning any businesses in a business district," Holder explained. He expressed concerns about potential legal challenges and the long-term implications of such a ban.

"If you ban one thing, that opens the door to banning other things and that's a very slippery slope you start to go down," Holder said.

He also pointed out that existing short-term rental registrations would remain with properties even if sold, potentially creating a "black market" effect similar to liquor licenses.

Other items on the agenda include:

* A proposal to change the direction of Dixon Street from westbound to eastbound

* Restoration of Murphy Field tennis and basketball courts, with a budget not to exceed $270,000

* Discussion on finding a new home for the former Easton's Beach carousel

Holder encouraged residents to attend the meeting or watch online through the city's website.

"I hope people do take the time to either, if they can't make it in person, to join online, or at least go back and rewatch it and stay involved and stay informed," he said.

For those unable to attend, Holder emphasized his openness to constituent feedback. "Email is the best way. [email protected], but you can text me or give me a phone call. 401-480-9079," he said.

The council meeting comes just six weeks before the Nov. 7 election. Holder, currently representing the Second Ward, is running for an at-large seat this year.

"I don't go into these meetings on the council about what I need and what I think is best. I go by what my constituents feel is best," Holder said, encouraging residents from all wards to reach out with their concerns.

Newport Public Schools are grappling with declining enrollment and staffing challenges as the new academic year enters its fourth week, Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain reported during a conversation with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, September 25.

Enrollment is down compared to projections, with about 70 fewer students than anticipated. This continues a downward trend seen since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

"We have to do a lot of analysis on [the enrollment decline] because that does impact two things. First and foremost, it impacts how we staff the schools, and secondly, it impacts funding," Jermain said.

The superintendent cited several factors contributing to lower enrollment, including a significant drop in the local birth rate and housing challenges for families in Newport.

"The zero to six year olds in our community are almost half of what they used to be," Jermain noted.

Staffing remains an ongoing issue, with several positions still unfilled across the district. Pell Elementary has two open positions, Thompson Middle School is finalizing one position, and Rogers High School has recently made an offer to a potential new teacher.

Jermain expressed hope that all positions would be filled within the next week or two.

The district is also focusing on improving attendance rates, which are currently about 5% lower than the same period last year across all schools.

"We really do need to keep that a priority and make that a priority," Jermain said.

To address this, the district has implemented new initiatives, including a restorative justice position at Rogers High School aimed at engaging students and improving school culture.

Construction on the new Rogers High School building is progressing on schedule for a September 2025 opening. Student tours of the site are beginning, with groups of eight to 12 students visiting every Thursday.

"The brick, the glass, everything on the outside should be finished by the beginning of December or mid-December," Jermain reported.

However, the project still faces a funding gap of approximately $2.5 million to $3 million, which the district is working to address.

The superintendent also discussed the district's approach to multilingual learners (MLLs), a growing population in Newport schools. The district recently restored an MLL coach position at the elementary level due to student enrollment shifts.

"We try to get into those classes early and immerse our children with English-speaking peers," Jermain explained.

Looking ahead, the district is considering moving fifth grade back to Pell Elementary and making Thompson Middle School a sixth through eighth-grade institution. This potential change is still in preliminary discussions and would require school committee approval.

Jermain also addressed the ongoing labor dispute with teachers, noting that while instruction continues normally during school hours, teachers are not attending open houses.

"We're still waiting for arbitration dates," Jermain said. "We have not received that back."

Despite these challenges, Jermain emphasized the district's commitment to providing quality education and supporting students.

"We all are in this for the right reasons, for students' education, and we want to do our best at all times," she said.

The superintendent will join What'sUpNewp next on Oct. 30 at 1:30 p.m.

Diving Deeper

Newport School District Explores Moving 5th Grade Back to Elementary

Newport School District is considering a shift that would move 5th grade students back to Pell Elementary School, potentially transforming Thompson Middle School into a 6-8 grade facility. This idea comes as the district addresses declining enrollment and space usage issues.

Jermain shared these early-stage plans during the chat. She stressed that the concept needs more analysis and isn't set in stone yet.

"We're planning to take a closer look because we'd like to eventually move 5th grade back to Pell if possible," Jermain said. "Of course, this needs school committee approval. We've been talking about keeping 5th grade at the elementary level and making Thompson a 6-8 school."

Jermain pointed out that Pell Elementary currently has some empty rooms and houses certain district offices.

"We need to start by analyzing the space and looking at enrollment projections. If we're going to make any changes, we need to put together a solid plan," she explained.

The district is also thinking about moving some administrative offices to Thompson Middle School. This could give the Human Resources department and the superintendent's office, which is currently in a temporary building, a permanent home.

"The number of zero to six-year-olds in our community has dropped by almost half," Jermain noted.

She expects to have a clearer picture of the space utilization plan within the next two to three months. Any changes would need the school committee's green light.

"At the end of the day, we need to ask: What's the best place and space for our students and their learning?" Jermain emphasized.

New Rogers High School Construction on Track for 2025 Opening

The new Rogers High School is on track to open its doors in September 2025. Jermain reports that construction is moving along as planned.

By December, the building's exterior should be finished. Inside, work is underway, and the team is in the process of choosing furniture.

Jermain announced, "We're kicking off student tours on Thursdays at 8:30. Parents, please note that Rogers High School students need a permission slip to join."

Staff members have already started exploring the new facility. The brick and glass exterior is almost complete, and the focus has shifted to the interior work.

As the project enters its final stages, a meeting to select furniture is set for September 26.

Jermain pointed out that when the new Pell Elementary School opened, they saw an increase in enrollment. "New school buildings really do make an impact," she said.

The superintendent also mentioned ongoing utility work related to the project. In mid-October, they'll be installing utility lines from Old Fort Road. This will require some changes to campus fencing and student routes during school days.

An electrical switchover is scheduled for the weekend of September 29. Work is expected to start around 8 p.m. Friday and wrap up by 4 a.m. Saturday. The team has notified neighbors and informed the city about the planned work.

Jermain addressed concerns about two career and technical education programs: automotive and cosmetology.

The automotive program has found a temporary home at Navy base facilities, with a tentative schedule in place. However, they're still looking for a solid location for the cosmetology program for the 2025-26 school year.

"We're aiming to have some good news about the cosmetology program's future home by the start of 2025," Jermain said.

The superintendent acknowledged community support for bringing both programs back to the Newport campus, stating, "I'm in favor of that, and I think many in the community feel the same way."

Newport City Council is set to vote on a proposal to ban new short-term rentals in the city, a move Councilor Mark Aramli says is necessary to address the ongoing housing crisis.

The proposed moratorium, which will be discussed at Wednesday evening's council meeting, aims to halt the conversion of residential properties into Airbnb-style rentals.

"Housing, housing, housing. The renters are getting pushed out of the city. First time home buyers. Good luck," Aramli said during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday morning.

Aramli, who introduced the proposal, argues that short-term rentals and out-of-state second homeowners have consumed much of Newport's middle-class workforce housing in recent years.

"We have more tourist traffic than we have ever had. Newport's been discovered," Aramli stated. "Our tourist economy is healthy and pursuing tourism at all costs, I think we finally realize there is a cost, and that cost is our middle class and our workforce."

The ban would not affect existing short-term rentals or homeowners who rent out rooms in their primary residences. It would, however, prevent new properties from entering the short-term rental market.

Aramli emphasized the urgency of the measure, citing a recent change in Rhode Island state law that allows commercial properties to be converted into housing. He fears this could lead to more short-term rentals if action isn't taken.

"Not only has the Airbnb phenomenon gutted some of our housing, now the mom and pop shops on Broadway and Thames street… are now competing with Airbnb speculators and investors for the buildings that they are in," Aramli explained.

The councilor acknowledged pushback from tourism boards and special interest groups but maintained that the city council should prioritize residents' needs.

"Newport City Council should be governing first for the people who live here," he said. "The one track sort of tunnel vision of tourism, tourism, tourism at all costs. I think we're seeing it has a cost, and I don't think that is a cost we should be paying anymore."

In addition to the short-term rental ban, the council will discuss several other items at Wednesday's meeting, including changes to water and sewer billing and zoning code improvements.

The council is set to approve the repeal of a controversial sewer and water bill charge that disproportionately affected low-consumption users. Aramli described the initial approval of the charge as a "mistake" that was never properly explained by city administration.

"We are going to be fully repealing that. Everybody will be getting refunds," Aramli said.

The meeting will also address ongoing efforts to streamline the city's zoning code, which Aramli says has caused unnecessary red tape for homeowners seeking to make property improvements.

"You shouldn't have to hire an attorney to build a shed or put a room above your garage," Aramli stated, praising the zoning department's work on simplifying processes.

The council will also consider a resolution to explore options for restoring and relocating the Easton's Beach carousel, which Aramli views as a potential community asset.

See Newport City Council's full agenda for this evening and supporting documents here.

Wednesday's city council meeting will be held at Pell Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. due to elevator issues at City Hall. Aramli encouraged residents to attend and make their voices heard.

"The more involved the citizens are in this process, the better everything runs," he said.

Newport City Council will consider a citywide moratorium on new short-term rentals at its Wednesday meeting, aiming to curb the loss of housing units to vacation rentals.

"We are now looking at a moratorium on all new short-term rentals across the entire city," Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong, Mayor and City Council Chair, said during a conversation to preview the agenda with What'sUpNewp on Monday. "We heard from the zoning officer for the city that we're losing 20-ish units of housing per year to conversions to short-term rentals. This is an effort to stop that."

The mayor emphasized that the proposed moratorium would not affect existing short-term rentals or owner-occupied rentals where homeowners rent out a bedroom.

The council will also vote on repealing a new sewer fee structure.

"The repeal of the sewer fee. This technically lasts on our agenda. I expect that the council will change the order of the agenda to take that item first, right after we finish with the major consent and business items," Khamsyvoravong said.

"We heard loud and clear from residents about the challenges that were resulting from the new sewer fee structure," Khamsyvoravong said. "The council is trying to move quickly to repeal that fee."

He noted that residents who have already been charged under the new structure will receive credits on future bills.

Other agenda items include approving a consultant for King Park renovations to improve flood resilience and considering noise complaints related to a recurring "Cars and Coffee" event.

"We know that our zoning code has some major challenges to it. Towards the bottom is an item that means lot coverage and some ministerial things that we think just need to be cleaned up to relief the burden that's on the planning board right now and that we also think will impact other things like stormwater" Khamsyvoravong said.

The mayor also spoke about a resolution to relocate the historic carousel from Easton's Beach due to ongoing erosion concerns.

"I put forth a resolution on the agenda that I hope the council will consider supporting, asking the administration to come up with a plan for the relocation of that carousel. We know that Easton's beach is rapidly eroding at a rate of about a foot and a half per year," Khamsyvoravong said.

"We want to make sure that that important historic asset for the city, the carousel itself, is located somewhere where the public can continue enjoying it rather than sitting in storage," Khamsyvoravong said.

Wednesday's council meeting will be held at Pell Elementary School due to elevator issues at City Hall. Residents can submit comments on agenda items in advance or speak during public forum periods at the meeting.

Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy addressed residents' concerns about utility bills and infrastructure needs during What'sUpNewp's Wednesday monthly "Ask the City Manager" session.

Please note that this newsletter allows supporters to read, listen to, and/or watch the conversation.

Kennedy acknowledged the city "missed the mark" in rolling out recent changes to sewer and stormwater fees that resulted in unexpectedly high bills for some residents.

"We're apologetic for that and we're going to make sure we get it right," Kennedy said. He announced a public workshop later today to discuss the issue and potential rebates for overcharged customers.

The City Manager emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, citing an estimated $500 million in deferred maintenance over the past 30 to 50 years. He urged support for a $98 million bond measure on November's ballot to address urgent needs.

"This is not like racking up credit card debt. This is healthy debt to help improve your quality of life," Kennedy said.

He highlighted projects like beach nourishment to protect structures and drinking water supplies from erosion. Some bond funds would also serve as matching dollars to unlock larger state and federal grants, he noted.

Kennedy addressed concerns about the impact on part-time homeowners, acknowledging the need to balance workforce housing availability with property rights. He suggested better data analysis could help refine policies.

"We might find that we're not always necessarily required to make what heretofore may seem like draconian measures on some of our seasonal and part-time residents," he said.

The City Manager also discussed traffic challenges, calling this summer "anecdotally … the worst ever." He emphasized the need to encourage alternative transportation modes and potentially strengthen residential parking enforcement.

Diving Deeper

City Manager Addresses Infrastructure Needs and Revenue Generation

City Manager Kennedy addressed the city's $500 million infrastructure backlog and emphasized the importance of the upcoming $98 million bond measure during his first public interview since taking office two months ago.

Kennedy highlighted the bond measure, which will go before voters in November, saying, "We feel that we've put the most important and urgent projects on that allocation list. This is the first bite of the elephant we want to take."

The bond aims to fund projects including beach nourishment, road improvements, and utility upgrades.

"The return on that investment is going to be fantastic," Kennedy said, citing examples like protecting the city's drinking water supply and preventing erosion of coastal structures.

Kennedy also addressed the need for new revenue streams from Newport's 4 million annual visitors. "We need to do a better job of working with our state general assembly delegation to promote legislation that enables Newport to draw more from its visitors than other communities might," he said.

He estimated that visitors create the equivalent impact of 105,000 full-time residents, based on average length of stay.

Kennedy acknowledged missteps in the recent rollout of new utility fees, which caught many residents by surprise. "We missed the mark on that," Kennedy said. "Our residents deserve better." He promised improved communication going forward, citing recent investments in the city's communications department.

Looking ahead, Kennedy expressed plans to modernize city operations, improve data analysis, and foster better collaboration between city departments and the school system.

"I have this kind of 'let's get to work' mentality right now," Kennedy said. "We've got a lot to do and it's exciting to move out on some of the initiatives we have coming up."

Newport Faces Challenges with Traffic and Police Staffing

City Manager Kennedy highlighted increasing traffic as the most significant change he's observed in Newport over the past 20 years during a recent interview with What'sUpNewp.

"This year was, you know, anecdotally, we'll wait for data to come in, but anecdotally, it was the worst ever," Kennedy said, referring to the city's traffic situation.

He attributes the surge to a post-pandemic travel boom, favorable weather conditions, and major events like the U.S. Senior Open golf tournament.

Kennedy emphasized the need to encourage alternative modes of transportation to alleviate congestion. "We really need to begin figuring out ways to encourage people to come to Newport by something other than their personal vehicle," he said.

The city manager also expressed concern about the Newport Police Department's staffing levels. The force is currently operating at about 11% below its budgeted strength of 84 personnel.

"It's difficult to be a police officer right now. There's a lot of scrutiny on police officers," Kennedy noted, adding that both pay and social factors contribute to recruitment challenges.

To address these issues, Kennedy is considering stricter enforcement of residential parking regulations and working with the police union to improve compensation packages.

He also stressed the importance of community policing, stating, "It's really about the community impact that you can have. And there's probably no better place to do that than a community like Newport."

Kennedy took on the role of city manager two months ago. "I wanted to work somewhere local where I could grow some roots and just really get to know my neighbors," Kennedy said.

Newport Seeks to Balance Tourism Economy with Resident Needs

City Manager Kennedy estimates that Newport effectively has a population of 105,000 when accounting for the impact of tourism on city infrastructure and services.

"We're a city of 105,000 people now," Kennedy said. "You're probably saying what? No, census says we're only 24,000, 25,000. That's true. That's our full-time residents and families who vote and go to school here. But there's another 55,000 equivalent residents. That's what the 4 million visitors per year do in terms of the tax on our infrastructure."

Kennedy is exploring ways to generate more revenue from visitors to support city operations and infrastructure improvements. He noted that currently, Newport only receives 1% from hotel stays and 1% from meals and beverage taxes.

"We need to do a better job of working with our state general assembly delegation to promote legislation that enables Newport to draw more from its visitors than other communities might," Kennedy said.

The city is facing an estimated $500 million in needed infrastructure improvements over the coming years. A bond measure on the November ballot aims to address some of the most urgent needs.

Kennedy emphasized that the bond is not a "money grab" but rather an investment in critical projects like beach nourishment to protect drinking water supplies and structures from erosion.

"These are not money grabs," he said. "We don't want a big sinkhole opening up underneath Easton's Beach. We want some funding availability through the bonds that allow us to go out for more, even more money in grant funds."

The City Manager also addressed concerns about a recent change to sewer billing that unexpectedly impacted some residents. He acknowledged the rollout could have been handled better and promised improved communication on such issues going forward.

"I think we missed the mark on that," Kennedy said. "I strongly believe that the public had needed, deserved a better opportunity to kind of see that coming before it hit their mailboxes."

City Manager Calls for Improved Communication Between City and School Officials

City Manager Kennedy called for improved communication and cooperation between city leadership and school officials to address educational challenges and complete the Rogers High School project.

Kennedy expressed a desire to reset relations between the city and school department, emphasizing the need to work together on issues like enrollment, curriculum expansion and workforce housing.

"There's a lot of unnecessary acrimony right now between the city staff and between the school committee and the teachers union," Kennedy said. "I just really look forward to kind of saying, look, I wasn't here. I understand there are intense challenges on both sides of the issues, especially when it comes to building and Rogers High School."

Kennedy, who took over as City Manager two months ago, said completing Rogers High School needs to be a priority to secure state reimbursement and provide students with a modern facility.

"Whatever we need to do to finish Rogers High School, we need to do," he said. "I don't necessarily mean in terms of dollars, I just mean a sensible decision to get to the end, get to the finish line on that project."

The City Manager emphasized that improving school enrollment is key to expanding curriculum offerings and hiring more teachers. He suggested making public schools more appealing to families who turned to homeschooling during the pandemic and addressing Newport's housing challenges.

"If we balance out the housing predicament in Newport with good workforce housing that's at a decent rate that folks who can go, can earn a living here, can also live here, then their kids will be able to go to our wonderful school district," Kennedy said.

He added that education should be viewed holistically, including lifelong learning, job placement and training, and mental health care.

Ask The City Manager

Ask The City Manager airs the third Wednesday of most months at 10 am on What'sUpNewp. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The City Manager by using the Google form below or comment as the broadcast airs live on our YouTube, Facebook, or X accounts.

Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The City Manager by using the Google form below or comment as the broadcast airs live on our YouTube, Facebook, or X accounts.

Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, September 18.

📰 In this What’sUpNewp Daily Digest…

* Newport City Manager joins What’sUpNewp for an interview on Wed.

* A look at the thirteen homes that sold in Newport County last week.

* Red and green okra are in abundance at Anna D’s Backyard Farmer’s Market

* City of Newport hosting a pair of recycling days this fall

* Middletown honors EMS Coordinator, addresses school building project

* and more…

👋 First time reading? More than 17,900 readers wake up daily to this newsletter; join them! Sign up here.

Leading Off

📺 Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy will spend thirty minutes with What’sUpNewp this morning at 10 am, answering our and your questions during a live virtual one-on-one conversation.

Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The City Manager using the Google form here.

The interview will be broadcast on our website, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. They can be watched live or anytime afterwards on those platforms.

Ask The City Manager airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 10 am.

Bonus Content: What’sUpNewp Supporters will receive a supporter-only newsletter following the conversation with a podcast, video, and story from the conversation. This new feature will be available to supporters following regular discussions with the City Manager, School Superintendent, Mayor, Candidates, etc.

Note: If you want to access Supporter benefits but it’s not financially possible for you right now, email [email protected], and we’ll make it work for you, with no questions asked.

News

🚨 A 32-year-old Coventry man was arrested in Portsmouth on Monday following an investigation into the solicitation of a juvenile for sexual activity. (WUN)

⛔ Senate Republicans have blocked for a second time this year legislation to establish a nationwide right to in vitro fertilization, arguing that the vote is an election-year stunt after Democrats forced a vote on the issue. (WUN)

🚓 The Newport Police Department’s latest arrest and dispatch logs reveal a quiet Monday followed by a domestic disturbance early Tuesday morning. (WUN)

Arts & Culture

🎭 Comedian Tom Cotter will be appearing at The JPT on Thursday, September 26, as part of the '“No Apologies Tour".” WUN’s Ken Abrams caught up with the Providence native about the show, becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent, and more. (WUN)

👉 Scandalous Conduct: A Fairy Extravaganza is up for three more weeks at Great Friends Meeting House. The show is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12-4 pm until October 6 (except this Saturday, when it will be open from 6:30-9:30 pm. with an artist talk at 7:30 pm). WUN’s Ruthie Wood has more. (WUN)

🎶 Pay No Heed, an innovative new performance blending opera with theater, will premiere at Redwood Library & Athenæum on October 18 - 20. (WUN)

Business + Nonprofit

👏 On Tuesday, Aquidneck Community Table announced Tuni Schartner's appointment as its first Chief Innovation and Development Officer. (WUN)

🏅 Sara Roger and Middletown-based A-1 Roofing and Construction were recently recognized by the Looking Upwards for their exceptional community goodwill. (WUN)

City & Government

🗒️ The Middletown Town Council recognized Battalion Chief Brian DeFreitas as the 2024 EMS Coordinator of the Year and received updates on the school building project during its meeting on Monday. (WUN

🏫 The Little Compton School District is peripherally involved in a federal lawsuit over whether recent changes to federal Title IX anti-discrimination laws are appropriate and have children’s best interests at heart. (East Bay RI)

🚰 Newport City Council will host a public workshop today at 11 am in the City Council Chambers to discuss the new Base Sewer Use Charge and potential ways to accommodate fixed or lower-income residents.

Environment & Health

♻️ The City of Newport’s Clean City Program will host a pair of events at Easton’s Beach this fall to help Newport residents dispose of hazardous and harder-to-recycle items. (WUN)

🌬️ Will offshore wind drive electric bills down? Massachusetts’ Governor Maura Healey’s administration says offshore wind is cost-effective, but is it? (WUN via CommonWealth Beacon)

💡 Rhode Island officials announced on Tuesday the launch of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program. Rhode Island is the first state in New England to launch the program, supported by $31.8 million from the Department of Energy. (WUN)

Food & Drink

👨‍🌾 Tucked behind Anna D’s Café is Portsmouth’s very own farmer’s market. WUN’s Ruthie Wood has more in her latest What’s In Season column - “Red and green okra are in abundance at Anna D’s Backyard Farmer’s Market”. (WUN)

Notable Quote

“ We each have our own little fanbases. Jim (Florentine) is on the current version of Crank Yankers. He made a name for himself back in the day doing these crank phone calls and got picked up on Comedy Central, and now it’s back. That’s his big thing. Tammy (Pescatelli) was on Last Comic Standing a few years ago, probably the biggest feather in her cap,” explained Cotter. “And I had some luck on AGT (America’s Got Talent). All three of our audiences are unique.”

~ Comedian Tom Cotter told WUN’s Ken Abrams when discussing his upcoming No Apologies Tour, which will make a stop at The JPT on September 26.

Obituaries

🕊️ No new obituaries to share.

People & Profiles

🇺🇸 The Rhode Island Department of State has announced that nearly 100 students from 44 high schools across the state have joined the Civic Leadership Program, a new program that aims to empower students to become active citizens. (WUN)

Real Estate

🏘️ As we enter the third week of September, the Newport County real estate market continues to demonstrate consistent activity, with 13 homes changing hands last week. WUN’s Tyler Bernadyn has a look at what sold. (WUN)

😮 Once a boathouse, this historic Newport home (The Playhouse) just sold for nearly $10 million. (Boston Globe) WUN’s coverage of this sale is here.

Sailing & Sports

⚾ Shane Baz allowed two runs and two hits over seven innings, Jose Siri homered and drove in four runs, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 8-3 on Tuesday night. (WUN)

⚽ In a commanding performance, Rogers High School’s girls’ soccer team secures a decisive 4-0 win against Tiverton High School on Monday evening. (WUN)

🏒 The Boston Bruins traded 2023 Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Linus Ullmark to Ottawa, content to give the starting job to Swayman. One problem? He’s a restricted free agent without a contract for the season. (WUN)

🏃‍♀️ Runners hoping to qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon will have to pick up the pace. The Boston Athletic Association has updated its qualifying times. (WUN)

Things To Do

💡 Fort Adams Trust continues its free, family-friendly music series, Music At The Fort, this evening with a performance by The Ravers. (Fort Adams Trust)

🗓️ Salve Regina University has announced its lineup of events for its annual Mercy Week, scheduled for September 22 - 29. (SALVEtoday)

📚 The MLK Community Center invites the community to a free, family-friendly Children’s Day celebration on Sunday, September 22, to celebrate 4,000 kids enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. (WUN)

What’s Up Today

🚢 The Caribbean Princess is scheduled to visit Newport today. According to her website, she has the capacity for 3,140 guests and 1,200 crew.

Weather

* Dense Fog Advisory until September 18, 10 AM

* Today: Patchy fog before 10 am. Otherwise, it is mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph.

* Tonight: Showers, mainly after 1 am. Low around 64. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%—new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Marine Forecast

* Today: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming E 5 to 8 kt in the morning. Patchy fog before 10 am. Seas 1 ft or less.

* Tonight: ENE wind 7 to 10 kt, becoming NNE after midnight. Showers. Seas 1 ft or less.

* Coastal Water Temperature: 63°F.

Sun, Moon, & Tide

* Sunrise: 6:29 am | Sunset: 6:48 pm | 12 hours and 19 minutes of sun.

* High tide at 8:24 am & 8:47 pm | Low tide at 1:44 am & 2:15 pm.

* Moon: Full Moon. 14.6 days, 100% lighting.

Things To Do

* 10 am: Arboretum Tour: Broadlawns at Second Wind Arboretum

* 10 am: Family Storytime at Newport Public Library

* 2 pm: Aquidneck Growers Market – Wednesday on Memorial Boulevard

* 4:30 pm: Live from The Loading Dock presents Lois Vaughan Trio at MLK Center

* 5:30 pm: Brenton Point State Park Master Plan Public Meeting at Newport Public Library

* 6 pm: Lecture: Dr. Grace and Mr. Bennett: Irish Newport’s Gilded Age Leaders at Wyndham Newport Hotel

* 6 pm: Sunset Music: The Ravers at Fort Adams

* 6:30 pm: Fermentation Class at Forty 1 North

Live Music, & Entertainment

* Buskers: Open Mic with Mike Warner at 9 pm

* Fastnet Pub: Trivia at 9 pm

* Fifth Element: Ruby Mac at 7 pm

* JPT Film & Event Center: My Penguin Friend at 4:30 pm, Didi at 7:30 pm

* Landing: Mark Flynn at 4 pm

* Newport Vineyards: Trivia Wednesdays at 6 pm

* Ragged Island Brewing Company: Andre Arsenault at 5:30 pm

* Sardella’s: Live music at 7 pm

* The Quencher: Karaoke at 9 pm

Local Government

* Jamestown: Housing Authority at 9 am, Elections Training and Advisory Ad Hoc Committee at 10 am, Affordable Housing at 4:45 pm, Planning Commission at 6 pm, Tree Preservation & Protection at 6:30 pm

* Middletown: Open Space and Fields Committee at 5:30 pm, Town Council at 6 pm

* Newport: City Council at 11 am, Cemetery Advisory Commissionat 4 pm, School Committee – Policy Subcommittee at 5:30 pm

* Portsmouth: Water and Fire District at 7 pm

What’s Up This Week & Weekend

🗓️ On tap this week/weekend: Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Festival Latino, Cardines Classic, and more. Get the full rundown of events, live music, and entertainment. (WUN)

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