It wasn't a long meeting for the Town Council, but a bunch of #MiddletownRI business was covered Monday night. This included everything from plans to underground utilities in the lower Aquidneck Avenue area to budget and affordable housing talk and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night, April 7, 2025
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: None
Of Note:
- Listened to requests from members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC) and the public to move forward with proposal to underground utility lines in the lower Aquidneck Avenue area. Councilor Chris Logan — a liaison to the MEDAC — said he supported the effort and wanted the town to include whatever it could in the upcoming Fiscal 2026 budget to help. “I think there’s an opportunity for us with some private financing and donations we’ve never had before,” Logan said. Councilors Charlie Roberts and Dennis Turano said they were behind the plan because it was needed and would help improve the look, feel and resiliency of the beachfront area. Council President Paul Rodrigues said basically everyone he’s spoken with was in favor of the project, but there were financial realities to consider too. He said this was especially true with a $661,000 shortfall in state educational aid on the horizon for Fiscal 2026. Council members agreed the item would be discussed during the upcoming budget process, where everything will be on the table for consideration. For more, visit https://mdl.town/Lower-AA online.
- Formally approved the schedule for the Fiscal 2026 budget review. An analysis of all funds will take place on April 26 at 8 am in Town Hall, with public hearings on May 21 and 28 at 6 pm in Town Hall. Logan encouraged everyone to attend the all-day Saturday meeting to help see the work and thought that goes into every budget. To submit your budget suggestions, visit https://mdl.town/Helps, go to the “Other Municipal Services” subhead and file input under “Budget Ideas.”
- Announced an “Airport Area Overlay District” proposal was withdrawn from consideration and sent to the Planning Board for review. Town Solicitor Peter Regan said the state requires every community with an airport implement an airport overlay zone. But after reviewing the recommended zoning changes, Regan said the town had concerns the rights of private property owners could be adversely impacted without fair compensation. Town officials said when the matter comes back before the council, abutters would be notified and it would be widely advertised for the public. For more, visit https://mdl.town/Airport-Overlay online.
- Set an April 28 meeting at 6 pm in Town Hall to discuss affordable housing again. This comes after a special meeting late last month to go over the latest affordable housing plans for 650 Green End Ave. and 26 Oliphant Lane. For more, visit https://mdl.town/AH online.
- Heard from Shared Facilities Director Ed Collins that work on the new middle-high school remains “on time and on budget.” Collins said bids for the project continue to come in and are expected to be opened soon. Based on his review, Collins said those involved with the project positioned everything very well and should be commended for their efforts. For more, visit https://mdl.town/NewSchool online.
- Set aside $1,500 from the council’s discretionary fund for a granite memorial bench in Paradise Valley Park in honor of Julian “Jay” Peckham III. Council Vice President Thomas Welch III said Peckham was an incredible person and no one deserved the honor more.
Next Meeting: April 21 at 6:30 in Town Hall
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-4725
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