Monday night the Newport City council further discussed the possibility of purchasing the land on Angle across the street from City Hall, the site of the old Salvation Army building. The City of Newport has for some time been evaluating various options regarding available property around the perimeter of the City Hall/60+ Center/Recreation Center buildings. Two years ago the city explored the possible acquisition of this property. As part of the pool project, the city had intended to create additional parking spaces. City manager Spencer Nebel told the council he felt that the purchase of the lot would be beneficial for the city both now and in the future.

Local resident Esther Call asked the council to consider turning the space into a public park for the city center area instead of using it for parking. She said using the property as a park or open space could provide a permanent home for the farmers market and other events. She submitted a petition with 100 signatures from visitors and residents supporting her idea. Mayor Roumagoux thanked Mrs Call for the information and said they would include it as part of the visioning plan. It was pointed out that the most immediate uses of this property would be the development of public parking that would also provide open space for special events such as the Farmers Market. The council approved by a vote of 5 to 1 for the city to  obtain a short-term loan to acquire this property.