A Message Regarding the Proposed Moratorium in Newport

Dear Members:
 
As many of you may know, the Newport City Council will be hearing a proposed ordinance on Wednesday evening at the regularly scheduled meeting on the subject of implementing a 6 month moratorium on economic development in the Innovation District, currently known as the North End. The Chamber Board of Directors voted to vocally oppose the proposed 6 month moratorium on economic development because it will not only adversely impact the businesses that currently own real estate or operate active businesses in that area, but we believe it sends the wrong anti-business message to the broader community.
 
The City has been working for many years to diversify its economy by helping businesses to start and grow in this region, as well as to attract other investment to help support and sustain the broader community. The Chamber has been part of that initiative and we fear those efforts will be significantly undermined if a moratorium for any length of time were to be put in place.
 
Please join me and the Board of Directors in opposing the proposed moratorium on Wednesday evening. Stating your concerns about this proposal and how a moratorium would impact your business would be a valued contribution toward this discussion.
 
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to us at 401-847-1608.
 
Sincerely,
Erin Donovan-Boyle
Executive Director