The excavation, by an Arizona company that has performed underground radar analysis at the site, would occur in the fall in Touro Park.

01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, June 29, 2006

By RICHARD SALIT
Journal Staff Writer

NEWPORT -- The City Council last night seemed to dig plans for an archaeological excavation around the mysterious Newport Tower but voted nay -- not "neigh" -- against a proposal for a horse-drawn carriage to operate on Bellevue Avenue in the summer.

On a night when the council's agenda was light on weighty matters, these were the two topics that garnered the most attention.

The council took no vote on a proposal by Chronognostic Research Foundation Inc., of Tempe, Ariz., to excavate in confined areas of Touro Park to possibly learn more about the origins of the stone tower. Some theorize the tower was built by Vikings who explored the New World before Columbus, while others assert it was once a windmill built during Colonial times for Gov. Benedict Arnold.

Janet Barstad, president of Chronognostic, and geophysicist Dan Lynch presented the council with the results of ground-penetrating radar and other noninvasive surveys of the ground at Touro Park. The results, they said, indicate four stone formations that might be of archaeological interest. Barstad first approached the council in 2004 with her organization's interest in digging at the site.

Last night, she said the excavation could be restricted to holes no greater than a cubic meter and be confined to four distinct areas of the park.

"If we hit a bonanza, it would be very nice for us and very nice for Newport," she said.

That would possibly lead to further excavation and searching for artifacts, with the permission of the city and the oversight of the state Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, she said. Barstad sought to assure council members who were concerned that if Chronognostic found something it deemed of value, it would -- without seeking permission -- broaden the excavation.

City Manager Edward F. Lavallee proposed some conditions, including having the excavation overseen by an independent archaeologist and the city's arborist, to ensure trees are not harmed. He also recommended that the digging take place not before Oct. 15, to avoid any conflict with an Italian festival held at the park around Columbus Day. Councilwoman Colleen McGrath wanted assurances that the digging wouldn't cause future problems with ground settling.

The council asked Lavallee to draw up an agreement that the council could vote on. But several council members appeared supportive of the project, which Barstad said would be studied by local schoolchildren and out-of-state college students.

"It's still a mystery," said Councilwoman Mary Connolly, who was encouraging of more study of the tower. "We still don't have any answers."

The council considered delaying another vote, on a permit for Remembrance Hill Farm, of Rehoboth, to operate a horse-drawn carriage in the area of Bellevue Avenue and Ochre Point. The owner told the council he wanted more time to discuss the plans with city officials and to allay any of their concerns.

Thomas P.I. Goddard, co-chairman of the Bellevue Avenue Ochre Point Neighborhood Association, said his group had voted to oppose horse-drawn carriages in the summer season because of traffic safety concerns.

Several council members expressed the same concern. They also said the council shouldn't table the topic while awaiting further details. A new permit application can be submitted later with additional details and a review by the city's public safety officials, they said.

"It's putting the cart before the horse," quipped Councilman Stephen Waluk, who was in the majority of the 5-2 vote against the permit.

In other business, the council applauded for Rita Slom, clerk of the Board of Canvassers, who is retiring tomorrow. Former Councilman Richard E. O'Neill has been appointed by the council to replace her.

rsalitATprojo.com / (401) 277-7466