Council Hears Pros and Cons of Summer Concerts at Fort Adams

The Newport City Council got an earful from residents — both for and against — a proposal by Newport Waterfront Events to host a dozen concerts at Fort Adams State Park this summer.

Officials from the company outlined plans for a trial season of concerts that would run from May to June at Fort Adams.

A number of small business owners and residents said Newport should encourage cultural and entertainment events and Fort Adams is an ideal place for such a thing.

Opponents raised concerns about noise, traffic and whether the concerts mesh with the Fort Adams Trust’s mission of education and historical preservation.

A show of hands towards the end of the meeting showed that the majority in the room supported the plan, but the majority was far from overwhelming.

Opponents of the plan held signs that said “No Concerts” and “Protect our Neighborhood.”

Many concerns were raised about Newport Waterfront Events history at their former location downtown at the now-closed Newport Yachting Center. A total of 14 noise violations were issued over the past two years.

Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano concluded the nearly two-hour meeting Wednesday night by noting the discussion on the issue will extend well into February.

A full story with quotes from all sides will be posted later today.