2024-100

RESOLUTION OF THE NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL REGARDING RESTORATION AND RELOCATION OF THE CAROUSEL

WHEREAS, the Carousel formerly located at Easton’s Beach is a beloved Newport institution which has brought joy to Newport children and families and to families throughout the region, as well as to tourists from throughout the nation and the world, since its establishment at Easton’s Beach in the early 1950’s; AND

WHEREAS, the ravages of weather and climate have taken their toll on this treasured resource and the Easton’s Beach structure which housed it, making it necessary for the City to disassemble the Carousel and demolish the structure, and to send the horses and related Carousel elements and accessories to storage pending the determination of how best to restore and relocate the Carousel, and how to raise necessary funding to accomplish same; AND

WHEREAS, the value of the Carousel to the City is uncontroverted, and the imperative of restoring and relocating the Carousel is clear and a timely priority for the City; AND

WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change and the ocean-front location make relocation of this treasured property to Easton’s Beach imprudent and inadvisable, requiring that the City identify an alternative home; AND

WHEREAS, the costs of accomplishing the restoration and relocation need to be estimated to allow for appropriate fundraising activities, whether through private charitable contributions, public funding, or some combination; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Newport City Council directs the City Manager to undertake the following activities, on an accelerated basis:

1. Obtain and develop cost estimates for the cost of restoration of the Carousel horses and related elements and accessories, as well as a cost estimate for the design and construction of a new structure to house the Carousel;

2. Identify for Council consideration up to three potential locations within the City for relocation of the Carousel, it being understood that such locations may include public or private property (in the latter instance, with the understanding that such land would be available for purchase or donation), that such location be readily accessible to the public with necessary parking availability, and that the location provide for year-round usage (as opposed to a summer-only operation).

3. Identify appropriate legal mechanisms by which private charitable funding for this activity may be undertaken.

4. Make such other recommendations to the Council as may be appropriate to facilitate the prompt reopening of this historic Newport treasure.

XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
MARK ARAMLI

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

LAURA C SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK