Hotel resolution

The RI Hospitality Association's government affairs manager argued the resolution bypasses required planning board review, could worsen housing pressure, and risks $10.9 million in tourism tax revenue.

Supported studying hotel limits, saying the city is rich in amenities but must ask when tourism becomes too much.

Urged passage to protect housing, noting many zones allow hotels by right; she also offered the Energy and Environment Commission's help on solar.

The Brenton Hotel's general manager argued hotels require parking and aren't the traffic cause; he blamed short-term rental conversions for housing loss.

Cited nine bed-and-breakfasts near her home without parking and backed the hotel study; she later defended the Preservation Society's tree donation.

A 29-year-old renter described friends leaving Newport over costs and presented a petition against the Bellevue development that drew 558 signatures in nine days.

Called for resident parking preservation, cited noise from short-term rentals, and noted 89% of a sentiment survey say the city is over-touristed.

Warned Newport is a two-legged stool dependent on tourism, like Bar Harbor in winter, and urged balance.

Discover Newport's president urged data-driven decisions, noting hotel property taxes reduce residents' tax burden.