Breathe new life into Mariner’s Mile, Old Newport

Mariner’s Mile and its environs have for some time now been a source

of consternation for city officials.

That wouldn’t be such a problem except that this Coast Highway

strip of restaurants, boat operators, car dealerships and clothing

stores is probably one of the most visible in town.

But its potential has seemed to elude it over the years.

Businesses come and businesses go. Grand ideas are either wildly

successful or go down in a blaze of bankruptcy. It has all left the

area longing for stability and a sense of purpose.

Add to the mix the nearby strip of aging businesses on Old Newport

Boulevard and you have a pretty large plate to tackle.

Then add to the mix newly elected Councilman Don Webb, who

represents the district that Mariner’s Mile and Old Newport Boulevard

occupy, and you have the recipe for getting something done.

A recipe that starts with a batch of baby back ribs.

Webb and other city officials applauded the news that the property

that once housed the shuttered Aysia 101 restaurant on Mariner’s Mile

will soon host a Tony Roma’s rib eatery and Bennigan’s Irish pub.

These popular eateries will be a nice replacement to the abandoned

Aysia 101 site and will most likely provide that needed stability.

But stability isn’t necessarily the problem around the corner at

Old Newport Boulevard.

Here, the strip of restaurants, antique shops and office buildings

are in dire need of a makeover. But to get there, the merchants and

businesses on that road that once was the main entrance to town must

come to consensus.

Let’s get the debate started. The ideas for that area are endless.

Perhaps combine Mariner’s Mile and Old Newport for a grand promenade

of restaurants and shops. Either way, what is needed is a vision for

the future, a plan to end the endless cycle of failed businesses.

We urge Webb and his council colleagues to make this a top

priority in the coming months and ensure that Mariner’s Mile becomes

a vibrant business district once again.