NEWPORT, Ky. — The City of Newport issued nearly $225 million in commercial construction permits and $22 million in residential permits in 2022, reflecting the continued vibrancy of the city.
Newport also boosted code enforcement, replaced playground equipment, planted hundreds of trees, filled more than 400 potholes and regularly engaged residents through a myriad of community service events and programs operated by the city’s police and fire departments, according to the City of Newport 2022 Annual Report.
“The City of Newport enjoyed another successful year as indicated by our accomplishments and efficient use of resources,” said Newport City Manager Tom Fromme. “While we have experienced continuing success, we continue to work on various issues such as aging infrastructure, efficient delivery of public services and affordable housing.”
Among the major developments currently underway in Newport include:
- Ovation is a $1 billion, 25-acre mixed-use riverfront development by Corporex of 1,000 residential units (condominiums and apartments), 500,000-square-foot office space, 150,000-square feet of retail and entertainment space and the MegaCorp Pavilion music venue.
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Martin’s Gate a nearly five-acre site is nestled on a hillside along 14th Street, featuring 58 attached and single-family homes. Developed by Meierjohan Development Group and Thomas J. Ackermann Co., Martin’s Gate marks the first time Homearama will be held in Northern Kentucky later this year.
Following are 2022 highlights from each city department.
Newport Fire Department
The department responded to 1,900 fire calls and 2,969 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls in 2022.
Members of the department also spent more than 6,000 hours in training but still found time to make over 1,200 contacts with children during 2022.
“Community involvement doesn’t stop with kids,” the report said. “The Fire Department is involved in all neighborhood groups and has nearly perfect attendance at community meetings. You’ll see firefighters at every big event, such as Riverfest, to quickly respond in an emergency.”
Newport Police Department
The department responded to 26,239 calls for service during 2022 – approximately 71 calls every day.
Newport police also upgraded crosswalks near parks and schools, upgraded the NPD body camera system, and implemented a Newport Drone Program on top of their daily work.
Public Works Department
Newport Public Works Department is responsible for roads, the tree canopy, flood prevention, basic services, parks and recreation, the city swimming pool, festival preparation and clean up, a mechanic for vehicle maintenance, and more.
Replacing city playground equipment was a department priority in 2022, as installing new equipment at Buena Vista and Ralph Mussman parks were paid for with grant funding.
Code Enforcement
The Newport Code and Planning Department is responsible for many issues in the city.
In addition to code enforcement and planning responsibilities, the department is charged with building permits, inspections, historic preservation, and five boards: the Code Enforcement Board, the Board of Adjustments, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Urban Design Review Board.
The restoration and promotion of The Southgate Street School Museum, housed in the building that operated as the city’s African-American public school before desegregation, was a major focus of the department, including Newport Historic PreservationOfficer Scott Clark and community volunteer Daylin Garland, whose mother attended the school.
Finance Department
The department manages the city’s $25 million annual budget. Its work includes overseeing economic development programs, such as the administration of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts, property tax moratoriums – a major incentive for the redevelopment of buildings throughout the city, particularly in the West End – and Jobs Development Incentive Program (JDIP).
The department also implemented new efficiencies by creating streamlined emails and fillable forms.
Upcoming in 2023
Looking forward, Newport will build on the momentum of 2022 with new economic development and infrastructure improvements.
A section of the Annual Report is also dedicated to two long-time city officials who retired in 2022: Former Mayor and Commission member Jerry Peluso Sr. and his cousin, Vice Mayor Frank Peluso, who once managed the city’s former water department.
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