Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 52

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Marine and Water Dependent Business Pressures to convert waterfront lands to private water enhanced and non-water dependent uses are constant and growing, as land values increase. Newport understands that water dependent and marine trades businesses are an essential part of its economy, its history and its future. The city will continue to take appropriate measures to strike a balance between competing waterfront uses, so that Newport remains both a pre-eminent coastal resort community and a place where traditional maritime uses thrive. This includes support for the harbor’s public walkway, public boat launch areas and public access to the waterfront in general. Public School Improvements Newport understands that a quality public educational system is an important determinant in where families choose to live and invest. Education therefore goes well beyond preparing students for college or the workforce, it is part of any community’s overall attraction to investors. Exploring Revenue Options Part of Newport’s economic development effort is to constantly investigate and advocate for city revenue options, which equitably reflect Newport’s contribution to State revenues attributable to tourism, as well as reduce the reliance on real property taxes. Regional Collaboration Newport’s economic development plans and related strategies have been developed to be consistent with and supportive of regional and cohort municipal plans, including the West Side Master Plan and Middletown’s Growth Center. By working together, interests can multiply beneficial outcomes and maximize public investments in capital facilities, streetscape, transit, and other necessary support. Support for transit and protecting the area’s potable water supply system are other examples of regional collaboration impacting economic development. Energy Newport has aggressively sought to reduce long term energy costs, while also promoting the use of renewable energy sources, consistent with State objectives. Savings can be passed on to City residents and/or can be used to fund additional economic development efforts, thus increasing return on investment even further. Support for Local Agriculture Although most of Newport’s prime farmland soils were developed with housing and other uses long ago, the city still strives to support regional agribusiness in a variety of ways, with efforts mostly being oriented towards consumers like seasonal tourists. For example, many city restaurants participate in farm to table programs, using local seasonal produce wherever possible, including shell and finfish, local wines and artisanal cheeses. In addition, public school children benefit from the community gardening and farmer’s markets that are regularly held during the season. While it is not appropriate to create and map an agricultural zone in Newport, the city will continue to permit certain types of activities and uses through its zoning code. Home Based Business Newport supports remote business and in fact, has a higher percentage of residents engaged in these types of jobs than the statewide average. The growing use of the internet and cellular communications technologies combined with easy access to T.F. Green make Newport an ideal location for remote work. This sector, although relatively small, has the potential for major benefits in terms of the flexibility of hours, ability to support mixed use, decrease seasonal employment peaks, reduce vehicle use, support and stabilize neighborhoods and otherwise distinguish Newport from competing communities. This also ties into the city’s efforts to reposition the north end. Newport already contains the type of amenities desired by this unique population and their wages are often well above the city median income. Page 4-10 Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)