Tourism and waterfront renewal: assessing residential perception in Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of harbor residents on tourism and waterfront redevelopments in Newport, Rhode Island. In the summer of 1992, about 160 surveys were conducted of households located directly in the tourism district. The results indicate that by and large the waterfront community perceives the current traffic conditions, inadequate parking, lack of privacy, and commercial intrusion into neighborhoods to be the consequences of increased tourism. Negative attitudes towards waterfront renewal are associated with perceived difficulties in having access to the water, lack of affordable housing, continued marine pollution, and the proliferation of non-water-dependent uses in the harbor. Conversely, several favorable reactions raised by residents included increased property values, successful historic preservation, and the participation in tourist-related events and amenities. Despite their geographic proximity to the business district, the development activities on the waterfront and the opportunities generated by tourism, few residents feel they have benefited economically from these advantages. Currently, the political climate in Newport is such that a comprehensive harbor management plan can become a reality. It is hoped that residents will then have an opportunity to incorporate their issues into policies of the plan.