2024-85

WHEREAS, Newport is home to 25,000 residents spread out across a relatively small 7.7 square miles;

WHEREAS, Newport is known across the globe for its rich cultural heritage, historic treasures, and natural beauty, attracting an estimated 3 million visitors each year;

WHEREAS, Newport is host to a wide variety of special events that enrich the community for both visitors and residents alike, simultaneously contributing greatly to our economy and placing an ever-increasing demand upon City resources and infrastructure;

WHEREAS, The summer of 2024 has been particularly challenging for residents who all too often must negotiate heavily traveled main and side roads during special event weekends, negatively impacting air quality and the quiet enjoyment of our residential neighborhoods;

WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of the City Council to ensure that these events remain compatible with surrounding neighborhoods by minimizing traffic and congestion on City roads;

WHEREAS, Several large-scale events, including the U.S. Senior Golf Tournament held in June of 2024, have demonstrated that it is possible to minimize the impact of high attendance events on Newport residents by implementing strategies already identified in the 2022 Transportation Master Plan, including the use of off-site parking, resident-only corridors, and wayfinding programs to alleviate traffic across the City;

WHEREAS, The Transportation Master Plan clearly identifies other specific steps the City can take to address the transportation and parking concerns of residents, including working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to activate the new interceptor parking lot on JT Connell Highway and establishing standards to guide the development of mobility hubs and encourage alternate mobility options; NOW THEREFORE, be it

RESOLVED: that the City Administration direct staff, including representative from the City Clerk's Office as well as the Planning, Public Services, Police, and Fire Departments to present recommendations to the City Council to amend the City's Special Event policies in order help reduce congestion and address other quality of life issues caused by high attendance events.

LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
JEANNE MARIE NAPOLITANO

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
AUGUST 14, 2024

LAURA C SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK