NEWPORT — Rick Ufford-Chase, who is running unopposed for mayor of Newport, outlined his vision for the city during a public forum at the Goodrich Memorial Library. Hosted by Newport Dispatch and moderated by Ken Wells, the event provided an opportunity for Ufford-Chase to address community concerns ranging from infrastructure and economic development to public safety and housing.
One of the central topics of discussion was the long-vacant lot on Main Street, a lingering reminder of Newport’s past economic setbacks. Ufford-Chase, who has been involved in Newport Downtown Development, emphasized that revitalization efforts are already in motion.
“While the empty block across the street consumes our imagination and is a visible sign of our failure to bring a shift that we all want for the community, it’s only one piece of a very important puzzle,” he said.
The city has adopted a new master plan, developed with consulting firm VHB, that identifies nine development sites along Main Street. The proposed projects include 400 new housing units, expanded public parking, and commercial spaces designed to bring more residents and businesses downtown. Ufford-Chase stressed that community input played a vital role in shaping the plan, noting that over 150 residents provided written feedback during the drafting process.
Ufford-Chase praised Newport Police Chief Travis Bingham and his team but emphasized that policing alone is not enough to address public safety and open drug use concerns.
“When people are at risk, there has to be a safe place for them to be,” he said. “We have to answer those questions as much here in this community as anywhere else, and probably more because the climate here is so inhospitable.”
He pointed to housing insecurity as a key issue, advocating for an approach that prioritizes stable, affordable housing for all income levels. “Affordable does not mean only low-income housing,” he added. “It’s whatever is affordable at whatever level.”
With Newport currently lacking a city manager, Ufford-Chase underscored the importance of filling the position but cautioned against rushing the process.
“We have some work to do on mayor and council to get our act together,” he said. “I don’t want to go looking for the kind of quality person we want until we can assure that person we have healthy operations in the community.”
Ufford-Chase expects the hiring process to begin in late fall, with a new city manager in place by the end of the year. “I want folks who apply for this job to say, ‘I get to be a part of building this remarkable thing that’s going to take place in our community over the coming decade,’” he said.
Addressing concerns about retaining and attracting young people, Ufford-Chase highlighted the need for affordable housing and community engagement opportunities.
“The good news is, something is already happening in Newport,” he said. “We have young people both returning to Newport and coming here for the first time.”
He stressed that Newport must provide housing and activities to keep younger generations from leaving. “We don’t want them to have to drive to Littleton to find something to do on a Friday night,” he said.
Ufford-Chase explained that a tax increment financing (TIF) district is being explored as a potential solution to fund downtown redevelopment. The concept allows municipalities to invest in public infrastructure that makes properties more attractive for private developers.
“If a developer thought they could have made money by building on that property, they’ve had nine years to do it,” he said. “The reason they haven’t is that there are too many unknowns and the expense is too high for the public infrastructure piece.”
If approved, the TIF district could pave the way for the city to invest in upgrades such as sewer mains and parking garages, facilitating future commercial and residential development.
A contentious issue in Newport has been the city’s recycling center, which was removed from the operating budget and placed on the ballot as a separate appropriation.
“It was made crystal clear to our council and mayor that this budget had to be kept in check,” Ufford-Chase said. “We had to do everything in our power to try and maintain the lowest possible budget for the people of Newport.”
He acknowledged that if voters reject the appropriation, alternatives will need to be explored, including potential partnerships with Casella Waste Systems or neighborhood-level solutions.
A major concern among residents is the sustainability of North Country Hospital. Ufford-Chase criticized a recent consultant report that suggested reducing hospital services, calling the recommendations based on “bad data.”
“Everyone, including all of our legislators at the state level, have said clearly we have to do whatever we can to not just protect but build up and assure viable rural health care in this community,” he said.
Ufford-Chase warned that hospitals often face “death by a thousand cuts,” where small service reductions accumulate over time until closure becomes the only feasible option. He emphasized the need for continuous community engagement to protect the hospital.
As the forum concluded, Ufford-Chase expressed optimism about Newport’s future and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve lasting progress.
“There is no quick way out of the challenge that we have before us,” he said. “But if we build the right foundation and work together, Newport will be in a much stronger position for the long term.”
With no opposing candidates, Ufford-Chase is expected to be officially elected as Newport’s mayor in the upcoming vote.
