• About Us & Contact
  • Privacy
  • Disclaimer
  • Advertise with Buzz
BUZZ LOGO final
  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Local Buzz

    Local Buzz

    See All
    Middletown Center

    Middletown Postpones Public Hearings on ‘Middletown Center’ Redevelopment Project

    Waites Wharf Hotel

    Newport Planning Board Unanimously Approves Waites Wharf Hotel and Redevelopment

    Nikolas Pizza

    What She’s Having: Everyone’s Family at Nikolas Pizza

  • The Buzz

    The Buzz

    See All
    Waites Wharf Hotel

    Newport Planning Board Unanimously Approves Waites Wharf Hotel and Redevelopment

    Liz Tanner Rhode Island

    Liz Tanner Steps Down as Commerce Secretary to Lead Rhode Island’s World Cup Economic Effort

    ICE Operation Patriot

    ICE Arrests Nearly 1,500 in Massachusetts During Monthlong Operation Targeting Criminal Noncitizens

  • Real Estate

    Real Estate

    See All
    25 Walnut Street Jamestown, RI

    Timeless Coastal Elegance in Jamestown’s Ocean Highlands Lists for $3,495,000

    Connor Dowd Sells Renovated Tiverton Waterfront Home for $840,000

    Hanley House: A Timeless Wayland Square Estate Lists for $4,295,000

  • Podcasts

    Podcasts

    See All

    The Bartholomewtown Podcast: Newport Preservation Society Discusses Their Concerns About Offshore Wind Project

    Bill Bartholomew

    Bartholomewtown Podcast Series Explores Rhode Island Housing Crisis

    Bill Bartholomew Hosts Rhode Island Congressional Special Election Debate

  • Obituaries

    Obituaries

    See All
    Freddie Pico Obituary

    Obituary: Godofredo P. “Fred” Pico (1937-2025)

    Linda Hall Obituary

    Obituary: Linda Hall (1948-2025)

    Dino Christy Obituary

    Obituary: Dino Christy (1938-2025)

  • Become A Supporter
  • Trending
    Trending
    NowWeekMonth
    ICE Operation Patriot

    ICE Arrests Nearly 1,500 in Massachusetts During Monthlong Operation Targeting Criminal Noncitizens

    Rhode Island High-Capacity Gun Magazine Ban

    Supreme Court Declines to Hear Challenge to Rhode Island’s High-Capacity Magazine Ban

    Waites Wharf Hotel

    Newport Planning Board Unanimously Approves Waites Wharf Hotel and Redevelopment

The Buzz

Salve Newport RI

Salve extends Spring Break; Students not allowed back on campus until April 13th

Clarke Cooke House Boom Boom Room

Cooke House temporarily closes Boom Boom Room, reschedules Caribbean Party

March Madness

NCAA Cancels March Madness

Newport RI St Pats Celebration

Poll: Do you plan on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this Saturday in Newport?

Tavern on broadway

Tavern on Broadway institutes aggressive new cleaning and sanitation protocols

Boys Club Growing Together Event

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County Postpones Growing Together Event

Grace Potter Newport Folk

Grace Potter to play the 2020 Newport Folk Festival

Gaudet School Middletown Coronavirus

(UPDATE: Test was negative) Middletown student tested for coronavirus is under self-quarantine

Peter Nerhona

Attorney General Neronha warns of price gouging in Rhode Island

NBA suspends season after player tests positive for coronavirus

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus

Search

Instagram

newportbuzz

Best Blog in RI - Get the 411 in the 401
Newport's leading news source since 2011 - DM news tips.
Public hearings on the proposed “Middletown Cent Public hearings on the proposed “Middletown Center” redevelopment have been postponed as the town awaits final draft documents from the project’s developers. Originally expected to be scheduled for June 23 and 30 at Gaudet Middle School, the hearings were never formally approved by the Town Council, which held off setting dates at Monday’s meeting due to the incomplete paperwork. With hearing expenses — including advertising and taping — estimated at more than $21,000, town leaders said it would be irresponsible to move forward with dates that might need to be canceled. “We’re going to do this once and do it right,” said Council President Paul M. Rodrigues. “There’s a process that needs to be followed and we’re not exempt from that.” The mixed-use project at 600–740 West Main Road includes a 144-room extended stay hotel, 150 apartments (including 18 affordable units), commercial space, and a new community park. The proposal, first introduced as “Middletown Commons” in 2021, has drawn both support and criticism. Opponents argue the development strays from community expectations, citing concerns about increased traffic, loss of recreational space, and the need for more public benefit. One flashpoint: the removal of the West Main Road Recreational Complex, including Pottsy Field, named after Sgt. Christopher Potts. Lawn signs have emerged in protest. Supporters say the redevelopment will generate over $1.1 million in new annual revenue, create much-needed housing, and offer a revitalized gathering space for residents. Town officials also note the relocation of the Middletown Public Library to 110 Enterprise Center will save $14 million in construction costs. The Middletown Center Citizens Advisory Committee continues to gather input on the five-acre northern section of the site, designated for public recreation. No new public hearing dates have been announced, and the project must still go through additional town and state reviews before construction can begin. #mittletowncenter #middletownri #newportbuzz
In a major step forward for one of Newport’s mos In a major step forward for one of Newport’s most high-profile waterfront projects, the city’s Planning Board unanimously approved a plan Monday night to transform Waites Wharf into a vibrant mixed-use development featuring a hotel, restaurant, wedding venue, and multifamily housing. The redevelopment proposal, led by property owner Thomas Abruzese, includes demolishing existing structures on the site to make way for an 89-room hotel, two residential buildings with a total of 14 units, and two additional buildings that will house a wedding space, retail, and restaurant space. All parking for the project will be provided on site. Marina operations at the wharf will continue as usual. The board’s unanimous decision clears a major hurdle, leaving only minor city permitting steps to be handled administratively by staff and the Technical Review Committee. No additional hearings before the Planning or Zoning Boards will be necessary. The proposal must still receive approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), but Monday’s vote represents a key milestone for a project that has been years in the making. If all goes according to plan, construction could begin in the near future, bringing new energy, amenities, and housing to one of Newport’s most iconic stretches of waterfront. This project will breathe new life into the waterfront while preserving its historic role in our city’s maritime economy. #waiteswharf #newportri #newportbuzz
In a move to boost tourism and business, Governor In a move to boost tourism and business, Governor Dan McKee announced the creation of Ocean State 2026, a new nonprofit organization focused on preparing Rhode Island for the economic windfall expected from next year’s World Cup. Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner will step down from her cabinet role to become Executive Director of the new organization. State Treasurer James Diossa will serve as chairman of its board. “This world-class soccer event presents a major opportunity to showcase Rhode Island on the global stage—and we’re ready to seize it,” said McKee. “With Liz Tanner and Treasurer Diossa leading the way, we have a strong team in place to help Rhode Island make the most of this moment.” Seven matches are scheduled at Gillette Stadium between June 13 and July 9, 2026. Organizers estimate more than 1 million people will pass through the Providence metro area, bringing over $330 million in projected economic activity. Ocean State 2026 will coordinate statewide efforts to attract visitors, support local businesses, and boost Rhode Island’s global visibility. The nonprofit will also lead sponsorship initiatives and collaborate with local governments, tourism bureaus, chambers of commerce, and Boston 2026. “This is bigger than soccer,” said Diossa. “It’s about investing in our future and ensuring every Rhode Island community shares in the benefits.” Tanner, who will leave her post on July 4, said it’s been “the honor of a lifetime” to serve in Commerce and is excited for this new chapter. During her tenure, she oversaw broadband expansion, small business support programs, and major economic development efforts. Governor McKee praised Tanner’s leadership and said an interim Commerce Secretary will be named by July 4. #worldcup2026 #worldcup #rhodeisland #newportbuzz
Follow on Instagram







  • About Us & Contact
  • Privacy
  • Disclaimer
  • Advertise with Buzz
© Newport Buzz 2011-2025
  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Local Buzz
  • The Buzz
  • Real Estate
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Become A Supporter
Type to search or hit ESC to close
See all results
Lost your password?

Forgotten Password

Cancel