Newport This Week

City Council Paves Way for U.S. Senior Open



The City Council has unanimously approved changes to a zoning ordinance, granting temporary signage for certain major “recreational” events that will allow the U.S. Senior Open golf championship to be held in Newport next summer.

Newport Country Club will host the Senior Open from June 20-29. The 2006 U.S. Women’s Open, which was also held at NCC and drew thousands of visitors, was cited by several councilors in their approval.

“It ran like clockwork,” said councilor Kate Leonard. “It helped put Newport on the map for golf. It had no impact on the neighbors.”

Councilor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano called the 2006 Women’s Open “the most organized event I have ever seen in Newport.”

The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 people. Off-street parking will be provided at Fort Adams State Park, the former Newport Grand Casino and other sites, with shuttles to and from the golf course. In other matters:

. The council accepted the Capital Improvement Program fiscal year 2021-25 and said residents could view the “fluid” document at City Hall or on the city website.

“This isn’t a financial or a funding recommendation,” said Napolitano.

Instead, she said, it is a planning schedule of physical improvement for schools, the public library, the city yard, and many other sites, based on need, desirability and the importance of each improvement, while considering the city’s “financial capacity” to do the construction work.

The vote led to a secondary discussion regarding the relocation of the city yard and the possibility of the Public Works Department floating a $40 million bond.

“The $40 million is a wish list that staff has to completely rehab the city yard,” said City Manager Joseph Nicholson, Jr.

He added that the Pell Bridge ramp realignment project should have “minimal” impact on the current site of the yard.

“We are in constant conversation with [the Rhode Island Department of Transportation] about the updates [over the Pell Bridge ramps],” he said.

. The council received the official resignation of Kathy Silvia from the School Committee with “considerable regret.” The council said any Newport resident may apply to fill the vacancy until Feb. 21.

Interviews will be scheduled between Feb. 21 and March 6, with the order determined randomly. Applicants must come prepared with introductory statements, and will be asked a set number of questions, pre-determined by the council.

“There are already a handful of applicants,” said Nicholson.

. The council signed a three-year contract with a company to shoot off fireworks on July 4. There was controversy last year when the council could not reach an agreement with a pyrotechnic firm in time and missed firing off rockets on the holiday.

. The council honored Rogers High athletic director James Cawley, Jr. with his own day after he was named NIAAA Athletic Director of the Year. He thanked his parents, his wife, his children and his fellow educators.

“I’m not one for the spotlight. I prefer that children have it first,” he said. “I have had my chance. Let them have their moment.”

. The Show Cause Hearing for The Protective Club, operating without a valid Class D alcoholic beverage license was continued until March.

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