As it stands now, as long as businesses follow the various zoning restrictions regarding height, setback requirements and lot coverage, they can build whatever they want, no matter how it looks.

In a city that prides itself on the beauty of its many historic buildings and neighborhoods, this is worrisome to many. But help is on the way.

The Newport City Council at its Oct. 22 meeting asked the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) to draft a set of commercial design guidelines for island businesses. Among others, the guidelines would suggest standards for signage, landscaping, roof pitch, materials and building style for any new businesses. Newport currently does not have any design standards incorporated into it's zoning laws.

Paige Bronk, director of planning, zoning, development and inspections for the city, has been working closely with the AIPC. He hopes the establishment of commercial design guidelines will improve the aesthetics of Aquidneck Island and help maintain the beauty and historic character of Newport.

Jennifer McKan, acting coordinator for the west side of Aquidneck Island for AIPC, describes the project as a "way of insuring that we maintain the natural and historic character of Aquidneck Island. We want to enhance what already exists."

On May 4, 2002, the AIPC held a public design workshop at Salve Regina University with guest speakers discussing the importance of incorporating design guidelines into zoning law. From there, the AIPC received a $30,000 grant from Prince Charitable Trust, and with that money, hired the Newport architectural firm Taylor and Partners to help draft an island-wide manual for commercial design standards.

Once the first draft is refined by the firm and members of the AIPC, the guidelines will be presented to each community's town or city council for approval.

Kelly Woodward, former director of the AIPC, said, "these guidelines would be implemented on a voluntary basis, though we ultimately would like to see them become standards."

Within a year, the commission plans to bring the guidelines before each community's council, with the goal of incorporating them into zoning law. Established businesses that do not meet the guidelines would not be required to change, though the AIPC would offer financial incentives to encourage businesses to do so.

Since the Oct. 22 Newport City Council meeting, the AIPC has received another grant from the Prince Charitable Trust. With financial backing, public support, and the go-ahead from the Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth city officials, the AIPC hopes to have the guidelines in place by springtime, with an upgrade to standards within the year.

The commission plans on holding public workshops, informing residents about the details of the plan, in the near future.

"Ultimately, it will be up to the public," said Woodward.

Newport This Week archive