Newport DOT deal offers North End opportunities

The 5.34-acre parcel the City of Newport has acquired from the R.I. Department of Transportation is seen as a prime candidate for economic development in an area the city’s leaders have made a priority.
“The objective is to do something that complements the North End comprehensive plan in terms of economic growth,” said City Manager Edward F. Lavallee. “We’re pleased that this gives us the opportunity to decide the kinds of business we want in there.”
He said that his hope for the type of businesses would be ones that would provide jobs and have a “low impact” on the environment. He said he would also support relocating an existing Newport business to encourage growth.
The parcel, which the city bought for $1.5 million, sits in a light industrial area on J.T. Connell Highway that Lavallee described as “ripe for redevelopment.” It became available when the DOT dropped its plans for the creation of I-895, a “cross-island highway” to link South County with southeastern Massachusetts.
“It’s rare for Newport to have a large tract of land open up for commercial development,” Newport Planning Director Paige R. Bronk said in a statement. “We look forward to the RFP process and identifying businesses that will help expand the tax base and provide jobs for our citizens.”
The city has a master plan for the North End that aims to redevelop key parcels to create a mixed-use community that adds jobs, attracts visitors, preserves and enhances open space and recreational opportunities and adds affordable housing.
For the newly acquired parcel, the city has issued a request for proposals, noting on its Web site that “commercial uses are desired that will complement ongoing planning efforts, contribute to the local tax base and provide quality jobs.”
The state, for its part, plans to use the proceeds from the sale to match federal highway aid, which requires a 20-percent state match. That means $7.5 million will be available.
“This is a win-win scenario for the State of Rhode Island and for the City of Newport,” Gov. Donald L. Carcieri said in a statement. “With this sale and the matching federal funds, we can utilize a total of $7.5 million for DOT projects, while Newport will generate opportunities for economic development from this piece of property. This is a terrific example of the state and the city working together to accomplish mutual goals.”