OP ED: I Urge my Fellow City Councilors to Support Concert Series at Fort Adams

By John Florez
Member, Newport City Council

Too often in politics, smart decisions lose out to the fear of the unknown or political retribution. I’ve been assured by the concert promoters that they are open to an abbreviated concert schedule of 12-14 shows, down from the originally proposed 30. They have also promised to lower their attendance target to about 2,000, down from the originally proposed 3,000. In addition, the promoters have communicated to me that they would be willing to come up with creative approaches to address the potential traffic concerns given that there’s only one road leading up to the concert location. Due to this willingness to compromise and the fact that noise or traffic issues haven’t been a concern with current concerts and shows, I will be voting in favor of moving the concert series to Fort Adams. This decision will no doubt fill my inbox with some interesting messages from opponents of this proposal, and that’s okay. I ran for City Council on the promise that my decisions would not be rooted in political calculation, but rather would focus on what’s in the best interest of my fellow Newporters.

Opponents of the proposal anticipate that the concert series will bring with it some apocalyptic scenario. That’s just simply not going to happen. We have an established precedent that supports the fact that concerts with 1,800-2,200 attendees won’t bring about a collapse in the quality of life for neighbors in the surrounding neighborhoods. I’m proposing that we implement a one-year pilot program; immediately after the concert series ends, we’ll reassess the success of the series and make the determination of whether or not to continue with it.

The concert series will enhance the Newport summer experience for tens of thousands of people. Great memories and experiences will be made that place Newport in an even more positive light and make people want to come back and visit our great city. It will also no doubt have a positive economic impact on our business community that is badly needed. Newport Waterfront Events can partner up with popular local food and beverage vendors and offer them a first chance at providing services to really bring the community impact full circle.

I firmly believe that a vote for the concert series is the right thing to do. As leaders, we have an obligation to do what’s in the best interest of the entire community. I strongly urge my fellow Council members to vote for a chance for Newporters to have an enriched summer experience and for our local businesses to see a positive economic benefit from this concert series.

Related: Idea to Host Former Yachting Center Concerts at Fort Adams Draws Ire