AIPC

Communities have plans if Navy frees up land

Communities have plans if Navy frees up land

By Matt Sheley/Daily News staff
March 3, 2008

If the Navy gives up any of its land, the three Aquidneck Island municipalities have plans for it.

For months — and in some cases years — Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth officials, with help from the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, have been mapping out what they would like to see done with such Naval Station Newport properties as the former Naval Hospital, the former Navy Lodge and the tank farms.

Navy officials, however, have cautioned local leaders that should any of the property being examined in the ongoing master-plan study be recommended for release, it still could be years before it becomes available.

Newport County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Keith W. Stokes said one of the major factors to consider regarding the Navy’s master plan is that just because Naval Station Newport was spared during the last federal Base Realignment and Closure process doesn’t mean the base is safe.

“What the master plan continues to do is support the efficient operation of Naval Station Newport,” Stokes said. “There will be future BRAC decisions and no one should think that just because BRAC 2005 is done that there won’t be another round. With that in mind, the base has to work as effectively as possible and this master plan will help accomplish that.”

As for Navy properties outside the base’s fences, Stokes said the chamber has been working with the island communities trying to coordinate cleanups, sewer connections, roads and other infrastructure issues should the land be made available.

“It’s one thing to have the land available,” Stokes said. “It’s another to have those things in place and at what cost? It’s far more involved than people would think. If the parcel is going to be a park and sit in open space, that’s fine, but there’s usually much more to it for more intense uses.”

Navy leaders said they are willing to work with the local municipalities, the state and others to make sure the master-plan process goes smoothly.

“My staff and I are committed to working closely with city and town officials on any matter pertaining to the property off base and are meeting routinely to discuss issues pertinent to the Navy and our three local communities,” said Capt. Michel Poirier, commanding officer of Naval Station Newport.

Portsmouth eyes tank farms

Long before the Department of Defense announced the latest Base Realignment and Closure in 2005, Portsmouth started to ponder future possibilities for the tank farm properties should any — or all — of the 269 acres be declared excess by the Navy.

Portsmouth officials said they believe that land could have a huge impact on the town, considering the acreage and location of the property.

“We’re obviously eager to see what the master plan projects,” Portsmouth Town Administrator Robert G. Driscoll said. “We’re certainly assuming it’s going to indicate most, if not all, of the tank farms should be moved into the excess category, but that’s only our assumption. If it says something to the contrary, so be it and it stays federal property. We’ll remain committed to being a good host to the Navy.”

The town created a seven-member Redevelopment Agency a few years ago at the urging of Councilman Peter K. McIntyre to guide discussions about west-side Navy property.

There was some controversy regarding the agency earlier this year, when a split Town Council decided not to reappoint the two-year chairwoman of the board, Helen Mathieu, after a conflict arose over what was included in a town draft plan for the west side.

Some local officials said they would have liked to see more included in that draft, particularly affordable housing, while others, including Mathieu, said the plan should have the flexibility to accommodate different concepts.

Despite these differing visions for the west side, local officials said the town is working on updating its zoning regulations for that part of the island, regardless of whether the Navy’s tank farm properties become available or not.

“It is a big subject and we’re working with our Redevelopment Agency to come up with a plan that will go to the Town Council for adoption,” Portsmouth Town Planner Robert W. Gilstein said. “It’s all about the tax base. It’s jobs and property taxes, primarily nonresidential. For example, if there’s an opportunity for the marine industry to expand, that means there’s more spin-off and that industry has one of the best spin-offs of any industry out there.”

Driscoll said the town is leaning toward a public-private partnership to help make its west-side plan possible.

“The town is looking at addressing community needs, and what gets developed there in large part will depend on the interest from the private sector,” Driscoll said. “Right now, it doesn’t look like it would be a public-sector project simply because there isn’t much funding available for it. We’re planning the best we can for the likely scenarios. We assume any developer that’s coming would have the same interests and concerns as the town. If not, why would they be here?”

The tank farms are not the only Navy attributes tied to Portsmouth’s west-side plans. The future of Navy roads and its water and sewer service have been the subject of numerous discussions.

“They’ve (Navy officials) made it very clear for some time that they want to get out of the utility business,” Driscoll said. “We’re assuming any solution concerning the property as it transitions would include the utilities, the water, roads and sewers there.”

Talks with the state about the possibility of it taking over Stringham Road and Defense Highway have been discussed. There also has been talk of using some of the west-side land as a location for a new transfer station.

“Any way you look at it, we’re talking about a significant amount of property here that has a lot of potential,” Driscoll said. “We’ve focused on the west side of Aquidneck Island for the last 10 to 12 years for very good reason.”

Newport eyes hospital property

The city remains interested in the former Naval Hospital property at Third and Cypress streets. And if that property, which overlooks the Pell Bridge and Narragansett Bay, should become available, Paige Bronk suspects others will be interested as well.

“Who wouldn’t be?” said the director of Newport’s Department of Planning, Zoning, Development and Inspections. “It is a piece of property that will be developed at some point in the future and I think the city has worked well with the Navy and the state to determine what happens there. I think it’s very much a real project and there’s no question that this property will likely peak the interest of several national developers.”

The hospital on the 10-acre lot was closed in 1998. Since then, Bronk said the city has monitored any developments concerning the property in hopes of one day getting the right developer in there.

Several years ago, the Navy gave a tour of the waterfront property and was talking about leasing the site to interested groups, but backed off those plans after the city raised concerns about taxes.

“The city has made it known publicly that we’re interested in securing the property from the Navy so we can ensure that we have the right type of development at that location,” Bronk said. “At this point in time, we’re developing a plan that considers what’s going on regionally and locally. Part of that process is to work closely with all the partners, including the U.S. Navy, the state of Rhode Island, the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission and the other municipalities on Aquidneck Island.”

Bronk said no plans have been solidified but a variety of options have been discussed.

“I think it will likely be some form of mixed use, with some public access along the water,” Bronk said. “There’s also been mention of a marina-related use there as well.”

Middletown envisions fishing pier

Right now, if you want to go fishing or take a walk along the shoreline on the west side of Middletown, you’re pretty much out of luck.

That’s why interim Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said it’s exciting to be part of a process that could help open up the area to the public for the first time in decades.

The Middletown Town Council has pledged its support for an Aquidneck Island Planning Commission proposal that calls for the land at the end of Greene Lane to be used as a fishing pier and recreational complex. The site also would include a kayak launch, according to the commission’s West Side Master Plan.

“Access is the key,” Brown said. “If the (Defense Highway plan) goes forward, it opens up a whole new area of recreation on the west side.”

Brown said the town also remains interested in the three-acre former Navy Lodge site at the corner of West Main Road and Coddington Highway.

Middletown has tried to acquire the lot as part of its municipal services agreement with GMH Military Housing, but such an arrangement never materialized. Other than as a temporary staging area during the 2005 relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the property has largely been unused.

The lodge was torn down in late 2002 after Navy officials determined the facility had outlived its usefulness and was replaced by a new on-base facility.

“There’s been no formal discussion about the lodge property recently,” Brown said. “The town has always expressed a desire to add it to its inventory and possibly supplement the municipal complex that’s already there. That would give us a block of municipal property from John F. Kennedy (School) to the corner of Coddington (Highway).”

By Matt Sheley/Daily News staff
March 3, 2008

If the Navy gives up any of its land, the three Aquidneck Island municipalities have plans for it.

For months — and in some cases years — Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth officials, with help from the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, have been mapping out what they would like to see done with such Naval Station Newport properties as the former Naval Hospital, the former Navy Lodge and the tank farms.

Navy officials, however, have cautioned local leaders that should any of the property being examined in the ongoing master-plan study be recommended for release, it still could be years before it becomes available.

Newport County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Keith W. Stokes said one of the major factors to consider regarding the Navy’s master plan is that just because Naval Station Newport was spared during the last federal Base Realignment and Closure process doesn’t mean the base is safe.

“What the master plan continues to do is support the efficient operation of Naval Station Newport,” Stokes said. “There will be future BRAC decisions and no one should think that just because BRAC 2005 is done that there won’t be another round. With that in mind, the base has to work as effectively as possible and this master plan will help accomplish that.”

As for Navy properties outside the base’s fences, Stokes said the chamber has been working with the island communities trying to coordinate cleanups, sewer connections, roads and other infrastructure issues should the land be made available.

“It’s one thing to have the land available,” Stokes said. “It’s another to have those things in place and at what cost? It’s far more involved than people would think. If the parcel is going to be a park and sit in open space, that’s fine, but there’s usually much more to it for more intense uses.”

Navy leaders said they are willing to work with the local municipalities, the state and others to make sure the master-plan process goes smoothly.

“My staff and I are committed to working closely with city and town officials on any matter pertaining to the property off base and are meeting routinely to discuss issues pertinent to the Navy and our three local communities,” said Capt. Michel Poirier, commanding officer of Naval Station Newport.

Portsmouth eyes tank farms

Long before the Department of Defense announced the latest Base Realignment and Closure in 2005, Portsmouth started to ponder future possibilities for the tank farm properties should any — or all — of the 269 acres be declared excess by the Navy.

Portsmouth officials said they believe that land could have a huge impact on the town, considering the acreage and location of the property.

“We’re obviously eager to see what the master plan projects,” Portsmouth Town Administrator Robert G. Driscoll said. “We’re certainly assuming it’s going to indicate most, if not all, of the tank farms should be moved into the excess category, but that’s only our assumption. If it says something to the contrary, so be it and it stays federal property. We’ll remain committed to being a good host to the Navy.”

The town created a seven-member Redevelopment Agency a few years ago at the urging of Councilman Peter K. McIntyre to guide discussions about west-side Navy property.

There was some controversy regarding the agency earlier this year, when a split Town Council decided not to reappoint the two-year chairwoman of the board, Helen Mathieu, after a conflict arose over what was included in a town draft plan for the west side.

Some local officials said they would have liked to see more included in that draft, particularly affordable housing, while others, including Mathieu, said the plan should have the flexibility to accommodate different concepts.

Despite these differing visions for the west side, local officials said the town is working on updating its zoning regulations for that part of the island, regardless of whether the Navy’s tank farm properties become available or not.

“It is a big subject and we’re working with our Redevelopment Agency to come up with a plan that will go to the Town Council for adoption,” Portsmouth Town Planner Robert W. Gilstein said. “It’s all about the tax base. It’s jobs and property taxes, primarily nonresidential. For example, if there’s an opportunity for the marine industry to expand, that means there’s more spin-off and that industry has one of the best spin-offs of any industry out there.”

Driscoll said the town is leaning toward a public-private partnership to help make its west-side plan possible.

“The town is looking at addressing community needs, and what gets developed there in large part will depend on the interest from the private sector,” Driscoll said. “Right now, it doesn’t look like it would be a public-sector project simply because there isn’t much funding available for it. We’re planning the best we can for the likely scenarios. We assume any developer that’s coming would have the same interests and concerns as the town. If not, why would they be here?”

The tank farms are not the only Navy attributes tied to Portsmouth’s west-side plans. The future of Navy roads and its water and sewer service have been the subject of numerous discussions.

“They’ve (Navy officials) made it very clear for some time that they want to get out of the utility business,” Driscoll said. “We’re assuming any solution concerning the property as it transitions would include the utilities, the water, roads and sewers there.”

Talks with the state about the possibility of it taking over Stringham Road and Defense Highway have been discussed. There also has been talk of using some of the west-side land as a location for a new transfer station.

“Any way you look at it, we’re talking about a significant amount of property here that has a lot of potential,” Driscoll said. “We’ve focused on the west side of Aquidneck Island for the last 10 to 12 years for very good reason.”

Newport eyes hospital property

The city remains interested in the former Naval Hospital property at Third and Cypress streets. And if that property, which overlooks the Pell Bridge and Narragansett Bay, should become available, Paige Bronk suspects others will be interested as well.

“Who wouldn’t be?” said the director of Newport’s Department of Planning, Zoning, Development and Inspections. “It is a piece of property that will be developed at some point in the future and I think the city has worked well with the Navy and the state to determine what happens there. I think it’s very much a real project and there’s no question that this property will likely peak the interest of several national developers.”

The hospital on the 10-acre lot was closed in 1998. Since then, Bronk said the city has monitored any developments concerning the property in hopes of one day getting the right developer in there.

Several years ago, the Navy gave a tour of the waterfront property and was talking about leasing the site to interested groups, but backed off those plans after the city raised concerns about taxes.

“The city has made it known publicly that we’re interested in securing the property from the Navy so we can ensure that we have the right type of development at that location,” Bronk said. “At this point in time, we’re developing a plan that considers what’s going on regionally and locally. Part of that process is to work closely with all the partners, including the U.S. Navy, the state of Rhode Island, the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission and the other municipalities on Aquidneck Island.”

Bronk said no plans have been solidified but a variety of options have been discussed.

“I think it will likely be some form of mixed use, with some public access along the water,” Bronk said. “There’s also been mention of a marina-related use there as well.”

Middletown envisions fishing pier

Right now, if you want to go fishing or take a walk along the shoreline on the west side of Middletown, you’re pretty much out of luck.

That’s why interim Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said it’s exciting to be part of a process that could help open up the area to the public for the first time in decades.

The Middletown Town Council has pledged its support for an Aquidneck Island Planning Commission proposal that calls for the land at the end of Greene Lane to be used as a fishing pier and recreational complex. The site also would include a kayak launch, according to the commission’s West Side Master Plan.

“Access is the key,” Brown said. “If the (Defense Highway plan) goes forward, it opens up a whole new area of recreation on the west side.”

Brown said the town also remains interested in the three-acre former Navy Lodge site at the corner of West Main Road and Coddington Highway.

Middletown has tried to acquire the lot as part of its municipal services agreement with GMH Military Housing, but such an arrangement never materialized. Other than as a temporary staging area during the 2005 relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the property has largely been unused.

The lodge was torn down in late 2002 after Navy officials determined the facility had outlived its usefulness and was replaced by a new on-base facility.

“There’s been no formal discussion about the lodge property recently,” Brown said. “The town has always expressed a desire to add it to its inventory and possibly supplement the municipal complex that’s already there. That would give us a block of municipal property from John F. Kennedy (School) to the corner of Coddington (Highway).”