Portsmouth urges unified approach in Navy land talks

April 15, 2008

Portsmouth urges unified approach in Navy land talks

April 15, 2008

By Matt Sheley
Daily News staff

Portsmouth wants to take a regional approach in regards to the upcoming excessing of Navy lands.

Arguing that teaming up with Middletown and Newport on the issue could save time, money and energy, the Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to explore the creation of a Regional Local Redevelopment Agency with the other two Aquidneck Island communities.

Frederick W. Faerber III, chairman of the Portsmouth Redevelopment Agency, said the move also makes sense because the Navy made it clear they would rather work with one agency rather than each of the three island municipalities.

Local officials said Portsmouth would have representation on the board and autonomy to make decisions on its own, but would avoid the duplication of efforts and spending that can often accompany such large-scale undertakings.

In order for the concept to take root, Portsmouth officials said the idea must be adopted by the councils of the other two communities and bylaws adopted. Such an effort likely would be spearheaded by the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission.

“Collectively, we think there’s more of a benefit working with the other communities,” Faerber told the council.

Last month, during a closed-door meeting in Newport City Hall, Navy leaders informed representatives from each of the island’s municipalities of plans to free up several long-unused parcels outside the Naval Station Newport fence. That land included more than 260 acres of waterfront property along the west side of town known as the tank farms because of its former use as fuel storage depot for the Navy vessels once stationed here.

Navy officials have estimated approximately $25 million in cleanup work remains at those sites, with about $35 million in work already invested.

As part of the excessing process, the Navy has made it clear it intends to restore each of the four locations before selling them off, likely at market value.

Besides saving money on items such as advertising, Faerber said the Regional Local Redevelopment Agency would help address other phases of the effort, such as contacting groups possibly interested in the land.

Council members said the bylaws of the redevelopment board should be drafted in a way to make sure meetings are open to the public, unless a compelling reason presents itself for keeping them closed.

“The way this will work, every town will still have veto power with what happens in their own town,” Town Administrator Robert G. Driscoll said. “This is something we have to work expeditiously on because we have time, but not that much time.”

By Matt Sheley
Daily News staff

Portsmouth wants to take a regional approach in regards to the upcoming excessing of Navy lands.

Arguing that teaming up with Middletown and Newport on the issue could save time, money and energy, the Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to explore the creation of a Regional Local Redevelopment Agency with the other two Aquidneck Island communities.

Frederick W. Faerber III, chairman of the Portsmouth Redevelopment Agency, said the move also makes sense because the Navy made it clear they would rather work with one agency rather than each of the three island municipalities.

Local officials said Portsmouth would have representation on the board and autonomy to make decisions on its own, but would avoid the duplication of efforts and spending that can often accompany such large-scale undertakings.

In order for the concept to take root, Portsmouth officials said the idea must be adopted by the councils of the other two communities and bylaws adopted. Such an effort likely would be spearheaded by the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission.

“Collectively, we think there’s more of a benefit working with the other communities,” Faerber told the council.

Last month, during a closed-door meeting in Newport City Hall, Navy leaders informed representatives from each of the island’s municipalities of plans to free up several long-unused parcels outside the Naval Station Newport fence. That land included more than 260 acres of waterfront property along the west side of town known as the tank farms because of its former use as fuel storage depot for the Navy vessels once stationed here.

Navy officials have estimated approximately $25 million in cleanup work remains at those sites, with about $35 million in work already invested.

As part of the excessing process, the Navy has made it clear it intends to restore each of the four locations before selling them off, likely at market value.

Besides saving money on items such as advertising, Faerber said the Regional Local Redevelopment Agency would help address other phases of the effort, such as contacting groups possibly interested in the land.

Council members said the bylaws of the redevelopment board should be drafted in a way to make sure meetings are open to the public, unless a compelling reason presents itself for keeping them closed.

“The way this will work, every town will still have veto power with what happens in their own town,” Town Administrator Robert G. Driscoll said. “This is something we have to work expeditiously on because we have time, but not that much time.”