City to Explore Adopt-a-Gaslight Program

As many gaslights in Newport have seen better days, some damaged in traffic accidents or worn by time, salt and storms, the city is exploring the feasibility of creating an “Adopt-a-Gaslight” program to make sure they keep burning for years to come.

The City Council last week approved a resolution requesting the administration explore the concept of such a program based on the fact “limited budget funds have failed to keep up with routine maintenance, repairs caused by accident and the toll of salt air on the various metal surfaces.”

The Historic Hill Association has been calling for the city to pay some attention to the gas lights, which enhance the city’s numerous streetscapes and enhance the historic character of its buildings.

In an e-mail, Councilor Kate Leonard, who sponsored the resolution, said gaslights are an important part of Newport’s heritage and culture.

“To me, they increase our awareness of Newport’s history, architecture,” she said. “They encourage people to walk in our areas, especially Historic Hill, where there are walking stanchions that depict the historic buildings.”

They bring good tourism, honor the past and “an understanding of what type of community we want to be known for,” Leonard said. “Not the huge above ground telephone poles with their ugly wires.”

On Thames Street, the business community has been working hard for years to bring gaslights to their streets to replace the former telephone poles.

“How beautiful these would be,” Leonard said.

The program would help the city pay for routine replacement of gas mantles, glass cleaning and more substantial repairs “could be accommodated by a more aggressive maintenance agreement which would be aided by foundation financial assistance,” the Historic Hill Association said on its blog.