The #MiddletownRI Town Council met Monday night and covered a number of issues in its lone regular meeting in July. This included moments of silence for former employees and volunteers who recently passed away, revising ordinances and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night, July 7, 2025
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: None
Of Note:
- Held a moment of silence for retired Deputy Police Chief Paul Dutra, who passed away last month after a 30-year career with Middletown Police. Commended as a wonderful person who genuinely cared for the community, Dutra had a myriad of interests, everything from gardening to fishing, model planes and more.
- Held a moment of silence for Robert Helmbrecht, the town’s longtime former director of the Department of Public Works and Parks & Recreation who passed away last week. Known as a kind, gentle soul, Helmbrecht was a US Marine, loved jazz music and helped launch the Middletown Youth Wrestling Club among other passions.
- Held a moment of silence for Middletown Public Library Board of Trustees volunteer and Middletown Senior Center member John Nelson III, who passed away recently. Nelson served in Vietnam as a member of the 115th Military Police Company, was part of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a sports car enthusiast and more.
- Asked for support for “Jake Cathers Night” sponsored by the Newport Gulls and Newport This Week newspaper. A mainstay in Middletown including work with the Middletown Prevention Coalition, Cathers was recently diagnosed with cancer. All proceeds from the July 25 Newport Gulls game will benefit him and his family. Visit https://gofund.me/1f9751dd to assist with the cause.
- Adopted revised ordinances to allow businesses to cover up to 25 percent of their total window space with advertising, an increase from 15 percent under the previous rules. Town officials said the amendments would be easier to enforce and help area businesses stand out and compete.
- Okayed new rules governing the keeping of temporary storage units on properties for up to 180 days. Local leaders said the goal of the rules was to clean up the look and feel of the community as well as reduce safety concerns. The new rules would not apply to active construction sites and the town had the discretion to extend the deadline when applicable.
- Approved a victualing house license and transfer of a liquor license for JT Commons at 1037 Aquidneck Ave. A representative said the casual family oriented restaurant by the Newport Restaurant Group will replace the Foodlove Market that closed at the location earlier this year.
- Named Mark Donahue, Rick Lombardi, Alicia Reyes, Rebecca Rogers, Christopher Rowe and Antone Viveiros to various roles and terms on the Zoning Board of Review.
Next Regular Meeting: Aug. 4 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-7725
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.com