I am sure that everyone knows that a presentation of results of the April 2 and
3 "Newport Center Urban Design Process" workshop will take place this Monday May
10th at 6:30 p.m. at Thompson.

A highlighted interest of mine is Brick Market. With it being built over 30
years ago, I am sure that it has been amortized down and it is time for a change
in that area. Because the area units are condos I would recommend that the
Thames Street facades of the Brick Market Business and residential units be
'purchased' and re-built completely to look something like Thames Street 100
years ago. Mixed material, heights and profile facades along with complete
streetscape enhancements: correctly maintained paving materials, size of
sidewalks, street furniture,etc. Facade easements and their redevelopment could
breathe new life into that area.

Community Developement Block Grant funding could jump start the process. I
believe that C.D.B.G. funding should ONLY be used to assist in Tourist related
projects as this ultimately would help all of Newport.

Federico Santi

******** Moderators Asks *********
** Can you explain the concept of a "facade easement"? Sounds novel.
** Can you say something about the level of city councilor participation in this
process? Should the community be concerned that the only participation in the
recent workshop was Mr. Waluk for 30 minutes? The grand scheme from the
Foundation for Newport didn't seem to get any council traction. Do you think
this will be different?
** Can you say some more about the CDB grants and the types of projects that
they have been funding?
******** Moderators Asks *********