NEWPORT, R.I. – There’s some controversy on Thames Street, where one area merchant is being accused of being insensitive to the Irish community by selling what some feel are T-shirts that denigrate their heritage.
The shirts, being sold in the run-up to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, feature various sayings and graphics playing off of stereotypes that those in the city’s Irish community say are insensitive and downright false. The store owner, on the other hand, says that he’s long supported both the parade and the Irish community, and that the shirts meant no offense.
How do you feel about the issue? Are the shirts over the top, or do you think it’s all in good fun?
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BMW Oracle took back the America's Cup for the U.S. But where will the next edition be held? (AFP/Getty Images)
NEWPORT, R.I. – The America’s Cup is coming home. Riding a high tech wing sail and massive trimaran to victory, BMW Oracle Racing, representing the Golden Gate Yacht Club, trounced Cup defender Alinghi in a head-to-head best of three off the coast of Valencia, Spain over the weekend.
Now, with the Auld Mug coming back to the U.S., speculation is running high about where the next Cup will be held. And with BMW Oracle head Larry Ellison’s recent purchase, Newport is on the short list of potential venues.
Meanwhile, Doug Riggs, a Newporter who normally delights bibliophiles with his insights as books editor at the Providence Journal, today pens a piece about the efforts of the local sailing community to lure the Cup back to the City-by-the-Sea.
So we put it to you: Where should the next America’s Cup be held. It’s our poll of the week!
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NEWPORT, R.I. – Residents turned out in force last Wednesday for a special workshop detailing proposed improvements to the South Eastons’ Pond berm. Over the course of the meeting, engineers from city consultants Fuss & O’Neill sought to explain their reasoning behind the selection of some controversial materials and design components which neighbors argued would detract from the history and beauty of the area.
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Primary among the design’s appeal, according to the engineers, is cost and time. Under the proposed plan, which would include the installation of a steel coffer-dam with a concrete cap on the western embankment, and a 42-inch high fence along the same section, construction costs would run roughly $3.3 million, with an estimated completion time of 4-6 months.
But residents who attended the Jan. 20 meeting, said that they would be willing to pay more and wait a few months longer for an alternative plan that would eliminate the fence and coffer-dam with a more traditional graduated slope design. That plan, engineers estimate, would cost at least an estimated $3.4 million and would take somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4 months longer to complete.
In the end, whichever plan is chosen by city councilors, the cost of the repairs is destined to be worked into the bills of ratepayers of the Newport Water Division, which includes not only Newport, but Middletown, the Navy, the Portsmouth Water & Fire District, as well.
So what do you think? Should the city pursue the more economical option, or the plan that best retains the character and beauty of the Easton’s Pond area?
NEWPORT, R.I. – There’s no shortage of issues facing the city this year. From major sewer repairs to a state funding gap, 2010 promises to be perhaps one of the most challenging years in recent memory. But what’s the one issue that you think needs the most serious attention?
Have your say in our first poll of 2010.
What is the most pressing issue facing the city in 2010?
- Our water and sewer infrastructure. Repairs need to made to ensure clean drinking and swimming water. (47%, 42 Votes)
- Our business climate. With the state among the worst in unemployment, Newport needs to create a more business-friendly climate to lure in new employers and keep the ones that are here. (23%, 21 Votes)
- City finances. The city needs to shore up its finances, finding savings where it can, and raising taxes if need be. (14%, 13 Votes)
- Our roads. Newport's roads are in rough shape, and the city needs to squeeze every dime out of the voter-approved road bond. (8%, 7 Votes)
- The school question. Newporters must decide on a new elementary school plan. (4%, 4 Votes)
- Other. (4%, 3 Votes)
Total Voters: 90
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Currently used as an antiques center, proposals for the redevelopment of the Armory property have ranged from a museum to retail space. (File Photo)
NEWPORT, R.I. – Proposals for the development of the Lower Thames Street Armory were due in to City Hall one week ago today.
The city is already moving on plans to convert the lower level into a transient boating facility, and several city officials have expressed a desire to see the main floor used to complement that use. Others, including the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation are proposing that the building remain as an antiques center. What do you think should be the fate of this landmark building?
Today is your last chance to vote on what you think the best use of the facility should be. If you haven’t already, have your say below.
What's the best use for the Armory building on Lower Thames Street?
- As one of the city's only public waterfront properties, the facility should be developed to reflect a maritime use such as a marine museum. (43%, 42 Votes)
- The space should be converted into a mixed retail-restaurant facility similar to Boston's Faneuil Hall. (33%, 32 Votes)
- The Armory Antiques Center is an asset to the area and should be maintained. (16%, 16 Votes)
- Other. (8%, 8 Votes)
Total Voters: 98
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NEWPORT, R.I. – Proposals are due in to City Hall on Friday for the redevelopment of the Armory building on Lower Thames Street.
The city is already moving on plans to convert the lower level into a transient boating facility, and several city officials have expressed a desire to see the main floor used to complement that use. Others, including the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation are proposing that the building remain as an antiques center. What do you think should be the fate of this landmark building?
What's the best use for the Armory building on Lower Thames Street?
- As one of the city's only public waterfront properties, the facility should be developed to reflect a maritime use such as a marine museum. (43%, 42 Votes)
- The space should be converted into a mixed retail-restaurant facility similar to Boston's Faneuil Hall. (33%, 32 Votes)
- The Armory Antiques Center is an asset to the area and should be maintained. (16%, 16 Votes)
- Other. (8%, 8 Votes)
Total Voters: 98
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Do you support the decision by the city to replace the red brick road behind the Colony House with asphalt?
- No. The brick is part of the city's historic fabric and the city should have gone before the Historic District Commission before any work was started. (77%, 115 Votes)
- Yes. The road was in need of replacement and the brick is not an important historic feature. (23%, 34 Votes)
Total Voters: 149
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NEWPORT, R.I. – The decision by city officials to replace the section of red brick roadway behind the Colony House has generated some frank discussions between neighbors. Over at KnowingNewport.com, and in our own comments section on the story, debate has been split between those who believe that the red brick lent itself to the historic aesthetic of the city, and those who are glad to see the bumps replaced with smooth riding asphalt.
We’ve asked you to weigh in over the last several days. Should the city have kept the brick? Or was the paving long over due? But the poll is coming to a close on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Vote now if you haven’t. Results will be included in this week’s e-news edition.
Have your say above.
Do you support the decision by the city to replace the red brick road behind the Colony House with asphalt?
- No. The brick is part of the city's historic fabric and the city should have gone before the Historic District Commission before any work was started. (77%, 115 Votes)
- Yes. The road was in need of replacement and the brick is not an important historic feature. (23%, 34 Votes)
Total Voters: 149
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NEWPORT, R.I. – The decision by city officials to replace the section of red brick roadway behind the Colony House has generated some frank discussions between neighbors. Over at KnowingNewport.com, and in our own comments section on the story, debate has been split between those who believe that the red brick lent itself to the historic aesthetic of the city, and those who are glad to see the bumps replaced with smooth riding asphalt.
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NEWPORT, R.I. – Leaders on Aquidneck Island, and across the state, have some tough choices ahead of them. From Smith Hill, where state legislators are grappling with record deficits, to Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, where escalating budgets may mean wholesale changes to government services, Rhode Island’s elected officials seem to have more problems than answers.
Which begs the question: Have you spoken with your elected representative today? You may just have an idea that could help solve some of our problems.
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NEWPORT, R.I. – From schools and streets to sidewalks and sewer pipes, the city’s infrastructure needs are never ending. With federal funding in queue to tackle repairs to the Ocean Drive sea walls, what’s next on your wish list for improvements to the city’s infrastructure?
Vote today in case you haven’t. Poll closes at 6 p.m. tonight.
What do you think is the city's most pressing infrastructure need?
- Sewer and CSO repairs. Clean water is vital to the health of Aquidneck Island as a whole. Addressing, in full, the city's water system should be top priority. (36%, 24 Votes)
- Schools. The city needs to come up with a long-range plan to address the its aging school buildings. (30%, 20 Votes)
- Streets. Rutted out streets leave a poor impression on visitors and do favors for my car. (25%, 17 Votes)
- Sidewalks and Streetscapes. It's the little things that matter. Sidewalks need to be kept up, crosswalks maintained, and signage updated. (9%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 67
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NEWPORT, R.I. – From schools and streets to sidewalks and sewer pipes, the city’s infrastructure needs are never ending. With federal funding in queue to tackle repairs to the Ocean Drive sea walls, what’s next on your wish list for improvements to the city’s infrastructure?
What do you think is the city's most pressing infrastructure need?
- Sewer and CSO repairs. Clean water is vital to the health of Aquidneck Island as a whole. Addressing, in full, the city's water system should be top priority. (36%, 24 Votes)
- Schools. The city needs to come up with a long-range plan to address the its aging school buildings. (30%, 20 Votes)
- Streets. Rutted out streets leave a poor impression on visitors and do favors for my car. (25%, 17 Votes)
- Sidewalks and Streetscapes. It's the little things that matter. Sidewalks need to be kept up, crosswalks maintained, and signage updated. (9%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 67
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Do you think the Newport City Council acted properly in awarding $5 million contract to repair the Long Wharf sewer main without a bidding process?
- No. The city should have gone out to bid as it would any other project. (69%, 85 Votes)
- Yes. Delaying would have cost the city too much money. (31%, 38 Votes)
Total Voters: 123
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NEWPORT, R.I. – Toward the middle of last month, with barely 48 hours notice, city councilors held a special meeting which lasted just inside of an hour. On the agenda were two items: An ordinance approving the repair of the Long Whard sewer line for an amount not to exceed $5 million, and an accompanying communication from the city manager. Few – if any –members of the public sat in attendance.
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NEWPORT, R.I. – A recent poll of Newport-Now readers shows that 73 percent of respondents believe this year’s summer economy has fared worse than normal, while 27 percent say there has been no change over previous years.
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Newport, RI
