Utility Lines Moved Underground Along Ocean Drive

The following has been provided by the Aquidneck Land Trust.

The Aquidneck Land Trust ("ALT") is pleased to start the new year with a special gift to all who love Aquidneck Island as part of ALT's Newport Conservation Initiative: the successful removal of the last remaining above-ground overhead utility poles and lines along one of the United States' premier scenic and historic roadways; namely, the nationally renowned Ocean Drive. Despite welcome restoration efforts two years ago, when a privately funded initiative removed 22 overhead utility poles along the oceanfront, 14 obtrusive utility poles still remained along the drive. These have now been removed, restoring the oceanfront to the natural state that existed decades ago before electricity was brought to the island. 

In total, nearly a mile of overhead utilities, approximately 4,800 feet, has been buried through both successfully completed projects. The unsightly overhead utility lines and poles had marred the natural scenic vistas for decades along the Ocean Drive's pristine southern coastline, from Carroll Avenue to Hazards Road. ALT's leadership in this second and final phase of restoration has returned the ocean views and beachfront of the last quarter of a mile of the Ocean Drive to their natural coastal condition of many years ago.

These visionary restoration projects ensure that our island's residents and many visitors can now enjoy the critical four mile scenic stretch of Ocean Drive, from Bellevue Avenue to Castle Hill, completely free of any visual obstructions from above-ground utility poles and lines. This is a historic restoration milestone for the island, and ALT is proud to have led the effort with a dedicated team and generous financial sponsorship.

ALT's Newport Conservation Initiative is a two pronged conservation strategy. The urban parks part of this initiative is focused on conserving the important existing and inadequately protected parks in the City of Newport with perpetual Conservation Easements. This is coupled with the creation and conservation of new parks in the City by turning strategic vacant lots into "pocket parks." The landscapes and estates part of this initiative is focused on conserving the important landscapes and scenic vistas in the City, especially in the Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive areas. Through this initiative, ALT and its partners hope to strategically limit the "development infilling" of the City and conserve the critical natural resources that distinguish Newport and directly contribute to the quality of life on Aquidneck Island making it a desirable place to live, work and visit.

The Newport Conservation Initiative has been successful. Since its launch in 2009, ALT and its visionary partners have completed the following projects in Newport: conservation of Braga Park; conservation of the Merrillton Estate off of Bellevue Avenue; conservation of the Sulthorne field near Salve Regina University; conservation of Spencer Park; conservation of ; conservation of ; conservation of the Ocean View Estate next to the ; and now this Ocean Drive project.

Ted Clement, ALT Executive Director commented, "On behalf of ALT, I want to express my heart-felt gratitude to the two visionary benefactors who enabled ALT to successfully complete this project: Philip and Patricia Bilden. The Bildens are long-time supporters of land conservation projects across Aquidneck Island. They previously led the initial project in 2009 to privately remove 22 utility poles along Ocean Avenue, from Hazards Beach to Hazards Road, burying nearly 3000 feet of overhead utilities. The team, resources, and funding that the Bildens assembled were critical in making this final phase possible under ALT's leadership." 

Many dedicated team members are responsible for making this happen over the past two years, notably: Mike Ward, project manager; Mike DaPonte, operations and excavation manager; Tito Camacho, logistical support; and Turner Scott, project legal counsel. The team is particularly grateful to Adam Silveira, Operations Engineer of National Grid, whose persistence and dedication to both projects went "above and beyond" the call of duty. ALT is thankful for the cooperation of National Grid, as well as Cox Communications, Verizon, and the Coastal Resources Management Council. We also thank the landowners who came together to support the project: the Bernhard family, the Doumato family, Gooseberry Beach, and the City of Newport. 

Patricia Bilden noted, "We are all grateful to the Aquidneck Land Trust, under Ted's dedicated and energetic leadership, for championing difficult projects, such as the utility pole burial on the Ocean Drive, that restore and preserve the natural beauty of our island. We are all fortunate that such vision and commitment by Ted, ALT, and its many supporters will ensure that future generations may enjoy the natural beauty of our island."

ALT's time-sensitive mission is to conserve Aquidneck Island's open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. The organization has conserved 2,385.63 acres on 65 properties on Aquidneck Island since 1990. ALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the first land trust in Rhode Island to have received national accreditation. For more information, visit www.AquidneckLandTrust.org.