2025-132
Newport
Resolution
RESOLUTION
OF THE
COUNCIL
No. 2025-132
WHEREAS: the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office (PRO) awarded the City of Newport $7.5 Million as part of its Capital Projects Fund-Community Learning Center Program (CPF-CLC) to support renovations to the Florence Gray Community Center and the residents of both Newport and Middletown; and
WHEREAS: the City entered into a Subrecipient Agreement with Newport Housing Authority (owner of Florence Gray Center) and Boys and Girls Club of Newport County in accordance with 220-RICR-20-00-2, Rules and Regulations for Grant-Making Involving Federal Funds, consistent with requirements of the CPF; and
WHEREAS: the Subaward Agreement between the City and PRO was signed March 2024 and outlines the City’s responsibilities for fulfilling the obligations of the program, including Financial Management Standards, with a term stating that the facility must reach substantial completion with a Certificate of Occupancy by October 31, 2026 and provide dedicated space for education, workforce development, and health services/monitoring; and
WHEREAS: the Gallagher Wing of the Florence Gray Center is currently owned by the State of Rhode Island and the Newport Housing Authority has been in negotiations with RI Department of Education to take ownership of the property; and
WHEREAS: the Agreement for transfer of the property includes reference to statutory right the City of Newport (the “City”) may have to purchase the Premises in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-7-5 (the “City ROFR”); and
WHEREAS: to avoid delays in this transfer agreement, which could result in delays to the ability to begin construction and meet the schedule requirements of the PRO grant, it is requested that the City support transfer of the Gallagher Wing to the Newport Housing Authority, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: that the City support transfer of the Gallagher Wing property at the Florence Gray Center to the Newport Housing Authority by waiving its Right of First Refusal when offered the property by the State of Rhode Island per RIGL 35-7-5.
IN COUNCIL