Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 55

5 Housing
Newport has long been regarded for its wealth of architectural history. The large number of
preserved, historic structures and narrow city streets dating to the Colonial Era are admired for
their connection to the past. The splendor of the Gilded Age and the grandeur of the "summer
cottages" attract large numbers of visitors to the community. Spanning nearly four centuries,
Newport's architectural heritage is among the richest in the nation. The diverse historic and
cultural heritage, created and preserved by Newport citizens over the years, reflects the
collective identity of the communit y's neighborhoods.
The City of Newport has always made housing needs a priority. Since the late 1960s, Newport
has faced many different housing pressures, including an enlarged population and substandard
housing. The City and its leaders have taken initiatives to address these housing problems. In
1969 the Church Community Housing Corporation (CCHC) was formed and, from its early
programs promoting home ownership, has served as a model in providing housing opportunities
for Newport's residents.

5.1 Existing Conditions
The Housing Authority of the City of Newport (HACN) and the Church Community Housing
Corporation (CCHC) have led the successful revitalization of Newport Heights, (formerly Tonomy
Hill). Located in the North End neighborhood, Tonomy Hill was one of the most distressed public
housing projects in the state of Rhode Island. Originally constructed in 1939 as temporary
housing for Navy personnel, the property was suffering from major structural deficiencies and
outdated and inadequate mechanical systems. Additionally, the site configuration isolated
residents from their neighbors and the larger community, exacerbating the already high rates of
poverty, crime, substance abuse, domestic abuse and illiteracy prevalent at the site. (Source:
Trinity Financial, Web. 14 Jan. 2016).

Through the leadership of the City of Newport and the HACN, the area was redeveloped as
Newport Heights, a mixed income community, through the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD), HOPE VI revitalization plan. The revitalization plan called for the
demolition of 498 units of existing housing and the construction of approximately 425 units of
new, mixed-income housing on the site including 100 units of home ownership housing.
Currently, four of the five phases are complete at Newport Heights. Most recently, the HACN is
moving forward with the complete renovation of the Park Holm residences.
The redevelopment has been designed so that buildings will be configured to frame the streets
and create clearly defined spaces for the residents, while also creating a sense of community
indistinguishable from the private residential areas that surround Tonomy Hill. The HOPE VI plan
also included an off-site component, necessary to meet the minimum one-for-one replacement
of the demolished affordable units currently existing at Tonomy Hill. Phase V is currently in the
construction phase. (Source: Housing Authority of the City of Newport).

Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)

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