Electrical fire forces closure of Newport Plaza businesses

About half the businesses in the Newport Plaza commercial center are closed until further notice because of damage done by a fire Wednesday in an electrical room that controls parts of the common building.

All businesses in the north wing of the main building – including Giovanni’s Pizza Pasta & More, Carnitas Express, and Venus Burger – were affected. The businesses on the west wing – including Pitstop Pub – still have power, as do a tire shop, dentist’s office and paint store on the east side of the plaza along Bradley Road.

It is unclear whether the businesses will be allowed to use generators to resume operations in the interim, or how long it will take to restore power to those businesses.

“The City is actively working with the Newport Plaza owner as they continue efforts to restore power to the entire shopping center,” said Rochelle Clayton, assistant city manager. “Businesses that are currently impacted include those identified in the attached diagram. The City does not have an estimate on when the repairs will be completed.”

When contacted today, owner Tom Powers of Giovanni's was on the way to the Oasis retirement community to cater a charity event, using the Oasis kitchen facilities.