All Association members were invited to attend this informational and interactive Neighborhood Forum on issues that impact the Top of the Hill neighborhood. Guest speakers included Officer Jonathan Cortes, our Community Oriented Police Unit (COP), Sergeant John Barker, a Traffic Unit Police Officer and Justin McLaughlin, our Newport City Council Representative/2nd Ward.

Officers Cortes and Barker discussed the crime level in the Top of the Hill area and the community at large; as well as the problem of noise from boom boxes, motorcycles. They also reviewed regulations for snow removal from roads and sidewalks and parking regulations, especially in Top of the Hill. The #1 crime in the neighborhood is car break-ins and most occur when cars are left unlocked. The officers recommended that citizens always report break-ins/attempted break-ins even if nothing is taken. The Newport Police Department approach to issues in the community is education first, then enforcement.
           
In response to member questions, Justin McLaughlin discussed the condition of streets, especially after National Grid digs; the problems of trees and bushes impinging on public rights of way and graffiti. He also reviewed current Newport happenings that TOH members should be aware of. He stressed that it is important to report issues to the appropriate city resources for resolution, and said he is always available to hear about issues and forward them to the appropriate individuals. For direct action, Scott Wheeler can be contacted for troublesome trees. Kristin Littlefield, Clean City Coordinator or the Police Department should be called regarding graffiti. The top three city issues that Justin is most concerned about are: (1) Do we build a new school?  This is a $35 million issue; (2) How do we keep Newport water safe to drink? This is a $50-$80 million issue; and (3) Correcting our Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s), which are in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.  This is an $80-$100 million issue. All of these issues will require large expenditures to fix and Newport residents will have to make some tough decisions about allocating funds.