Newport† VOL. 38. NO. 13
BORN FREE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
LNG: Hess’s Shearer won’t yield at tense forum By Tom Shevlin NEWPORT – Even as he was outnumbered two-to-one on stage and 200-1 in the audience, Gordon Shearer, the CEO of Weaver's Cove Energy, LLC, refused to back down. In a roughly two-hour public forum on the pros and cons of siting a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Fall River, Shearer fended off criticism from Save The Bay, the Newport and Bristol County Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the occasional heckler – maintaining that his company's proposal would stimulate the region's economy and only minimally impact Narragansett Bay and it coastal communities. By the end of the night, few were convinced. What had been billed as a unique opportunity to hear both sides of the LNG debate did not disappoint, as a capacity crowd filled the CCRI auditorium Monday with concerned residents from Jamestown to Fall River eager to hear first-hand the arguments for and against this increasingly contentious project. The sentiment in the room overwhelmingly opposed the plan. With Save The Bay's Executive Director Jonathan Stone and Evan Smith, the CEO of the Newport and Bristol County Visitors and Convention Bureau seated on either side, Shearer literally was forced
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By Tom Shevlin
Face off: Jonathan Stone (left) of Save The Bay and Gordon Shearer of Weaver’s Cove, LLC debate a proposed Mount Hope Bay LNG terminal
to defend his position from both sides. At times, his comments were laced with sarcastic, if not facetious undertones. Some drew hesitant laughs from the audience; others strong rebukes from Stone and Smith. If it wasn't clear where the majority of residents, business owners, and politicians stood in rela-
tion to the Weaver's Cove project, it should be now. Stone argued that the LNG terminal is bad for the bay, bad for the environment, and bad for local businesses. Smith said that the project poses a safety risk and would end up costing the area more in lost economic activity than it would ever generate by disrupt-
ing tourism and the marine-based businesses that rely on free and unencumbered access to the bay. Shearer countered by saying that LNG has a strong safety record, and that the facility would reduce energy costs, generate much needed jobs, and have minimal impacts on the environment and tourism.
First proposed Cup venue design unveiled
Quick Hits
NEWPORT – Hank Kniskern leaned slightly forward in his chair on a recent Thursday evening, his tie loosened from around his neck and his crisp white shirt sleeves rolled halfway up his forearm. Kniskern, who works for the Navy, seems to have a knack for problem solving. Like many Thursday nights, he’s found himself in the small conference room just across the hall from the Council Chambers. Sitting at a beam reach to his left is Jed Pearsall, the CEO of Performance Research, an internationally recognized market analysis firm which counts among its clients the NCAA, General Motors, and CocaCola. At his twelve is Kim Hapgood, program director for Sail Newport. They’re all members of the city’s Waterfront Commission; a small, but dedicated group of volunteers who over the last several years have helped establish the commission as one of the most vibrant and proactive volunteer boards in the city. Consider that over the last two years, the Waterfront Commission has been at the fore of the following projects: Improving access to, and the appearance of, the city’s see “Harbor” on pg. 18
Council OKs Stage 2 application for new school
By Tom Shevlin NEWPORT – Plans to bring the 34th America’s Cup back to Newport continue to take shape. A drawing was unveiled by Newport Collaborative Architects that shows Fort Adams transformed into a sailing village, with enough space to accomodate 11 syndicates along what it now the park’s parking area and shoreline. The image was circulated Friday during a meeting of the America’s Cup Rhode Island 2013 Planning Committee. The group is being directed by Keith W. Stokes, executive director of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation. The plan is just a starting point, and is likely to change as the process continues. The next meeting of the America’s Cup planning committee is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. at Nepwort City Hall.
Study outlines impacts of harbor
By Tom Shevlin NEWPORT – Acknowledging they still have their work cut out for them, the School Committee scored a victory last night in its pursuit to construct a new elementary school in the city’s north end. In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved a request to send a Stage 2 school building application to the state that, if approved, could pave the way to achieving the long-stated goal of recasting the city’s school system into a more modern and consolidated district. “This is like Groundhog Day for us,” said school superintendent Dr. John H. Ambrogi. Indeed, the Aerial rendering of a proposed America’s Cup village at Fort Adams. Source: Newport Collaborative Architects School Committee has been here before. In 2008, the previous committee had proposed another plan for “fewer newer” schools, but hit a wall after being unable to resolve differing opinions on critical asWOOF! Saving The Bay pects of the project. We’re suckers for dogs. Throw on The great LNG debate came to This time around, Ambrogi a pair of bunny ears and an Easter Newport this week. Get the full hopes to have the matter settled basket, and you’ve got the makstory and see more photos on one way or the other. “I’m hopeful ings of an unabashadly adorable Page 2. that this November, this project photo opportunity courtesy of the will go to the voters,” he said. Potter League. See the photos on Page 10
see “Council” on pg. 3