The most pressing topic brought before the council was the series of concerns related to 7th Avenue, a crucial corridor in Newport. Resident Mark McKenzie emphasized the need for substantial improvements, citing problems like speeding vehicles, unsafe pedestrian conditions, and inadequate aesthetic appeal. McKenzie argued for enhancements to make the corridor safer and more attractive, proposing goals such as mixed-use zoning that respects residential living and a truck ordinance to restrict the types and sizes of trucks permitted on the avenue. He highlighted that the current lack of respect for existing resolutions by truck drivers leads to issues like noise and pollution, urging the council to establish clear accountability measures.

McKenzie’s proposals also included setting a uniform 30 mph speed limit and adding pedestrian crosswalk signs to counter the tendency of drivers to treat the avenue as a thoroughfare, often exceeding speed limits and ignoring crossings. He stressed the importance of expanding school zones to improve safety for the corridor, which he noted is affected by spillover traffic from nearby St. Paul Park. His call to action was echoed by neighbor Chad Rose, who thanked the council for their attention and emphasized the need for clear communication and collaboration with residents.

Concurrently, the council tackled the Cherrywood Heights housing development, a project involving over 35 acres and a proposed 117 units. The development’s density and layout were in line with city expectations, although adjustments were made to single-family home widths and stormwater management areas. The council stressed the importance of collaborating with neighboring Woodbury, particularly on shared stormwater management, which is important for the project’s advancement.

Specific conditions for approval required Newport and Woodbury to finalize a stormwater management plan and agreements before the final plat application. The city administrator noted that these agreements must be in place before construction can begin.

In addition to the major issues of 7th Avenue and the Cherrywood development, the meeting addressed several other community projects and updates. The library roof replacement, which encountered unexpected costs due to additional layers of shingles, was completed, resolving a pressing maintenance issue. The fire department reported on its activities and announced Fire Prevention Week events, inviting community participation.

Furthermore, the council discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including a cul-de-sac construction on Century Avenue set to begin on October 14th, which will temporarily restrict access to 65th Avenue. The Public Works Superintendent assured the council that these projects were progressing, despite some challenges with cost and scheduling.

The meeting also touched on community engagement initiatives, such as a park survey aimed at gathering resident feedback and an upcoming event, Buckthorn Day, intended to manage invasive species. Council members provided updates on transportation routes, emphasizing the introduction of route 354 to enhance local transit connectivity.