More than three years later, reminders remain of the damage done by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 to Rhode Island’s shoreline. Many networks of protective dunes throughout the state were all but destroyed; in Newport, the section of Ocean Avenue that meanders past Hazard’s Beach would inevitably become a small pond following a nor’easter. For the past three years students from […]
Our Maritime History Grows More Complicated
Newport has long been known as the City by the Sea. From the earliest days of its settlement in 1639, the town has been dependent on its deep water harbor adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. For 377 years, this connection to the water has been one of Newport’s greatest assets even as we continue to enjoy a reputation as one […]
City Labor Contract Inked
After months of negotiations, the Newport City Council has approved a new multi-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for members of Local 911, Council 94, of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The vote on Wednesday, March 23, was unanimous at 6-0, with Councilor Kathryn Leonard not in attendance at the meeting. Although the vote was a […]
Big Box Restrictions on Agenda
The question of whether officials will restrict big box development in Middletown may soon be answered. “I believe we have more than enough big boxes in this community,” said Council President Robert Sylvia. Today, the maximum building footprint ordinance (§ 605) restricts structures to 35,000 square feet in commercial zones, but a provision allows for exceptions with a special use […]
‘Night to Remember’ Was Unforgettable
Nearly 200 people came out to the Newport Art Museum on Thursday, March 24, to support “A Night to Remember,” a fundraiser to help lower the cost of this year’s prom for students at Rogers High School. The main event was a fashion show, with models on the runway wearing high-end, off-the-rack garments from local stores, “Decked Out Denim” decorated […]
Toll Upgrades Begin on Pell Bridge
Motorists coming in and out of Newport over the Claiborne Pell Bridge experienced delays of 10 minutes or so on Monday morning, March 28, as work began on a $3.5 million project to modernize the span’s tolling apparatus. “With a project such as this, the first few days are always the craziest,” said Eric Offenberg, director of engineering for the […]
‘We’ll Come Back Better Than Ever’
The owners of Mama Leone’s say they are working around the clock after a 33-year-old driver smashed his car into their dining room. “He’s lucky to be alive. Nobody was hurt, that’s the most important thing,” said Steve Reves, co-owner of the restaurant. James Bell, an engineer at the Navy base, had been in Newport for about a week and […]
Possible Compromise in Ledge Road Proposal
The owner of property near The Waves condominiums in Newport appears to be heading for a compromise with neighbors that could move the construction of his proposed residence closer to reality. A proposal last fall by Maurice Iudicone, the owner of the vacant property at 51 Ledge Road, to build a 12,505-square-foot single family residence and detached pool house did […]
Newport Little League Fundraiser
Members of the community and parents are invited to attend the Newport Little League’s annual baseball and softball fundraiser at O’Brien’s Pub on Friday, April 8, from 7-9 p.m. The evening will feature “ticket in bag” raffles, a 50/50 raffle, hors d’oeuvres and live music. The cost is $15 per individual or $25 per couple. Admission includes two drink tickets […]
Island Rugby Opens
Children under the age of 19 are invited to safely learn rugby with the Island Rugby Football Club. There is a non-contact Rookie Rugby for all 2nd – 6th graders. Practice is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Linden Park, located behind IHOP, Middletown. Spring matches are scheduled on either Saturdays or Sundays through June 26. […]
