Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 57

5 Housing Density The density of Newport in 2014 was 3,098 persons per square mile of land area. According to the 2014 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, population in the City of Newport declined 1.43%, 24,957 persons in 2010 to 24,599 persons in 2014. Similar trends can be seen by using the 2000 Decennial Census. In the year 2000, Newport had a population of 26,476, which equates to a population density of 3,334 persons per square mile. This represents a seven percent decrease in population density from 2000 to 2014. A more accurate depiction of Newport’s density can be seen on Map 5-1, which shows information regarding the density of Newport’s housing stock. As can be expected, the housing density is greatest in the compact Downtown, Harbor / Lower Thames, Broadway, Kerry Hill / van Zandt, and The Point neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are characterized by Newport’s colonial heritage and have higher housing density due to their narrow streets and small lot sizes. Housing density is at its lowest in the Bellevue Avenue and Estates, Ocean Drive, Lily / Almy Pond, and North End Commercial neighborhoods. These neighborhoods characteristically have large lots and large amounts of open space. The North End Commercial neighborhood has a low housing density due to the fact that it is home to Naval Station Newport and their training facilities. Lot size and density are not the only factors affecting housing costs in Newport. Location, scarcity, and neighborhood character also can increase prices. These factors combine with lot size to raise property values in the Ocean Drive neighborhood. Likewise, multi-family developments on the harbor have relatively little or no yard area, but their water views make them very expensive to purchase. Newport’s historic neighborhoods such as The Point and Historic Hill have very small lots; however, the esthetics of the beautifully restored old homes and gardens make these properties among the city's most expensive real estate. Table 5-2 displays the 2000, 2010, and 2014 total housing units and a breakdown of each housing type found in Newport. While there were 707 additional housing units between 2000 and 2010, that number decreased by 763 within the next four years. The increase in total housing units between 2000 and 2010 is largely due to housing structures with one to four units. Housing structures with five or more units actually declined in this time period. However, this trend reversed between 2010 and 2014, with housing structures with five or more units increasing, and one- to four-unit structures decreasing. Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016) The housing trend in Newport has shifted away from 1- to 4unit structures between 2000 and 2010. This housing type has declined, while housing structures with five or more units has increased. Page 5-3