Our Initiatives

The Friends of Rockport provide a means for concerned residents, homeowners and visitors of Rockport to band together like those before us to protect the character of our beloved town. Our initiatives will vary in nature and change over time, but here are the current areas of focus for the organization:

  • Ongoing support for the proper implementation of the citizens’ initiatives, Article 3 and Article 4 passed by vote at the 2020 town meeting. Currently before the Knox County Superior Court for adjudication regarding applicability to the proposed hotel on Central Street.
  • Appeal of the Planning Board approval for 20 Central, LLC plans to construct a 26-room, all-suites hotel on Central Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals is set to document their support for the Planning Board decision on January 22. Next steps are yet to be determined, but likely include a further appeal to the Knox County Superior Court.
  • Central St. view, Proposed Hotel
    Proposed hotel with 12 balconies and 34 lights on Central Street.
  • Proposed hotel with 18 balconies, 24 lights and an open ‘rooftop bar’ balcony on the top level.
  • A 20 room alternative design retaining the scenic view and with architecture consistent with neighboring buildings.
    20-room alternative design retaining the scenic view, with architecture consistent with neighboring buildings.
Proposed hotel fully blocks historic view from Central Street and Goodridge Park.

Success to Date

  • Citizens initiatives on the August 14 town meeting agenda
    • Passed 332 to 250 – Article 3 on the ballot: Initiative to require an independent traffic and parking study for any development work in the downtown district (913)
    • Passed 328 to 271 – Article 4 on the ballot: Initiative to limit individual hotels in the downtown district (913) to 20 rooms, while retaining the 40 room aggregate allowance