Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Operation Clapboard Among other notable efforts by the citizenry, Operation Clapboard was started in the early 1950's by citizens alarmed by massive demolition of historical properties, especially in declining neighborhoods. The operation was responsible for protecting vulnerable historical properties by providing for deposits on the properties for later sale or acquisition. The operation is no longer in existence. Newport Spring Leadership Committee More recently, various community members banded together to form the Newport Spring Leadership Committee, which was formed to purchase, design, and develop the Historic Newport Town Spring. The site was most recently the Coffey’s gas station. At present, it is unknown how the historic site will be developed, but it is intended that historic value be preserved. Preservation Partnerships Local and Statewide preservation plans are strengthened by the efforts of private agencies and individuals who have a desire to protect Newport's historic resources. Newport has partnered with the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, resulting in the preservation of the structure, its return to use as a lighthouse, and its development as a bed-andbreakfast and living museum. The city has also worked with the Brick Market Foundation, formed to rehabilitate the historic Brick Market Building on Thames Street, and its adaptive re-use as a museum of Newport History, operated by the Newport Historical Society. Opera House Theater & Performing Arts Center Restoration Project The Opera House first opened in December, 1867 as a venue for performances and presentations in Newport. This opera house hosted some of America’s most famous icons, including Henry Ward Beecher, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Thomas Wentworth, Frederick Douglass, and George M. Cohan. Because of Newport’s prestigious and sophisticated community, the Opera House often became a center stage for nation-wide deliberations such as the abolition of slavery and women’s rights. Unfortunately, in 1955, a fire broke out on Thames Street that led to the demolition of the Opera House’s top floor and the neighboring Perry House Hotel. By the early twenty-first century, the Opera House was closed as the building’s condition continued to deteriorate and was considered for complete demolition. This iconic building’s repair effort has received a $4.2 million state grant and its re-opening is anticipated in 2017. The Newport Performing Arts Center has been working vigorously to restore and preserve this iconic part of the city’s history as a live entertainment performing center. World Heritage Commission With the concentration of historic colonial homes and landmarks and an early center for religious freedom, Newport is once again seeking a nomination as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. An application was submitted in 2006, but was deemed to be “worthy of future consideration” by UNESCO. Rhode Island’s Governor Lincoln Chafee created the Newport World Heritage Commission in October 2014 to lead to another attempt for submission in 2016. Newport Open Space Partnership Fredrick Law Olmsted Jr. created an open space plan for Newport in 1913. This plan has significant influence on Newport’s urban form, and can be seen in parks such as Miantonomi Park and Almy Pond. Today the Newport Open Space Partnership is working on developing a similar plan for Newport’s future, which embodies many of Olmsted’s visions for the city while integrating current trends. Page 11-10 Draft Existing Conditions (M

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 168