The city of Newport is asking for public input on creating the Buena Vista Local Historic Overlay District.
The designation allows the city to guide homeowners in preservation efforts, prevent exterior changes outside of the city’s guidelines, and halt unnecessary demolitions that may threaten the neighborhood’s structural integrity.
Those who would like to express concern or support for the district or wish to make comments can do so utilizing the email address here. The emails received will not be responded to individually, and comments will be forwarded to the Newport Historic Preservation Commission for consideration.
Questions should be submitted by 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb 26.
The Newport Planning and Zoning Commission was supposed to hear the case on the Buena Vista Local Historic Overlay District at its Nov. 7, 2023 meeting; instead, Newport Planning and Building Director Brian Steffen recommended sending it back to the Historic Preservation Commission due to legal issues.
As part of creating the Buena Vista Local Historic District, the city has begun updating the Newport Historic District Design Review Guidelines. The update will include the creation of specific guidelines for Buena Vista and the existing districts, respectively. A draft of the proposed guidelines will be posted to the city’s website for public review and comments before their adoption.
Comments, concerns, or suggestions on the guidelines can be sent here.
A public hearing before the Newport Historic Preservation Commission has been tentatively scheduled for Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. in the Newport City Hall Multipurpose Room.