The city of Newport has officially owned the Purple People Bridge for about a week. So, what’s next?
The city assumed ownership of the bridge after a vote from the Purple People Bridge Company Board of Directors at a special meeting on Sept. 10. At the Newport Board of Commissioners meeting on Sept. 15, the city discussed the steps it’s taken so far and what’s next for the bridge.
“The truth is that we don’t have a set plan for what the bridge should be or how this should exactly go, and that’s an important part of how we’re approaching this process,” said Newport Economic Development Coordinator John Willis.
The bridge was previously owned by The Purple People Bridge Company, which was created by Newport and Southbank Partners in 2005 and has managed the bridge for 20 years.
Willis said Monday that though it is important to define a plan and vision for what the bridge will be, the city wanted to leave it open-ended to a degree, so that partners around the region could come in and help them decide what the future of the bridge looks like.
Since assuming ownership of the bridge last Wednesday, the city’s first step was hazard mitigation, by removing a hanging piece of metal above Riverboat Row.
Willis said Newport has already contacted the city of Cincinnati’s engineering department and has a meeting with them next week to do a site visit on the bridge and talk about the permitting process. They have also prepared bid specs that are ready to go out at any time to address the repairs that are needed on the Cincinnati side.
“I’m delighted that we are already working with friends across the river and throughout the region,” said Newport Vice Mayor Julie Smith-Morrow. “That’s, of course, brilliant and an excellent way to move forward. So, I’m just really grateful for everything that everybody’s been doing on this and excited for the next vision and these next phases that will be coming.”
The city has also signed an agreement with a planning and urban design consultant who will help guide them through the process of building a coalition and envisioning the future of the bridge. They are also going to help the city bring more people to the table and bring more partners in for the bridge.
President & CEO of Southbank Partners, Will Weber, said that looking back on the 150 years of the bridge, for only 20 years of that duration, a nonprofit owned it. Weber said there are limitations of a nonprofit and the funding structure for that.
“First and foremost, that’s not an easy task, and I think it comes with such a bold vision that you see the opportunity ahead,” Weber said. “When you see the limitations that the bridge company as a nonprofit has when you talk about utilizing a bridge as an event venue or sign rentals and things, you can’t generate enough money to really invest the highest potential bridge.”
So, what’s next on the city’s to-do list?
Willis said they need to define the plan and vision, including public engagement and concept alternatives to guide use, activation and operations.
“I would ask that we try to do a few caucuses along the way to get some input from the community on what they would like to see,” said Newport Commissioner Mike Radwanski. “This is an asset that belongs to all the folks, especially here in Newport, but also an opportunity for the public to come in and provide feedback.”
The city also plans to focus on securing funding, cementing regional partnerships, and getting long-term investment from partners around the region to keep the bridge open and operational for years to come.
Lastly, Newport is looking to create a new governing body with people from around the region.
Nearly 700,000 people cross the bridge each year, making it the most utilized recreational trail in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Building on that, Newport Commissioner Aaron Sutherland said he is committed to making Newport the most bicycle and pedestrian-friendly city in Northern Kentucky, and said the bridge is a crucial asset for that.
“This is a really visited place, so I’m confident that the staff can manage and obtain funding for this,” Sutherland said. “The ball has already started rolling on that, and voting yes tonight is a momentous step in preserving this asset for generations to come.”
