Last September, the Newport City Council approved new zoning rules for major development in the North End's business area, including up to 40 acres of land that will be opened up when the Pell Bridge ramps come down. As it is currently written, this new zoning is likely to leave Newport residents out of any benefits from the future development and cause housing and business displacement. Residents are speaking up.

The Equitable Development Local Advisory Group (LAG), a group of North End residents, worked over the past year with Smart Growth America - experts in development that helps the community. The LAG proposed amendments to the North End zoning that will be heard by the Planning Board and City Council this winter. The amendments call for:

1. Housing that allows people who work in Newport to live in Newport.

2. Community Benefits Agreements that require developers to negotiate with residents to provide benefits that residents want in exchange for project approval.

3. Usable open and green space like parks and playgrounds, public gathering spaces, and safe and attractive streets.

I support the LAG proposed zoning ordinances and I ask that you consider and pass the LAG amendments to the North End Zoning Ordinance.