Have suggestions about what you'd like to see for #MiddletownRI now and into the future? Fill out our comprehensive plan survey at https://mdl.town/Survey online. It only takes moments and could positively impact Middletown for generations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INPUT SOUGHT
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (OCTOBER 2, 2023) – Ever felt like you had something to say about the future of Middletown, but weren’t sure where to turn?
The Town of Middletown and its Comprehensive Plan Update Committee want to hear from you.
Recently, the committee was appointed by the Town Council to review the comp plan, one of the documents that guides the future of Middletown on everything from Second and Third beaches to our water supply, economic development, public transit and more.
As part of the volunteer group’s efforts, Town Planner Ronald M. Wolanski said the committee is looking for feedback on every aspect of the comprehensive plan. To fill out a short survey that could help shape the future of Middletown for generations, visit https://mdl.town/Survey online.
To view the comprehensive plan itself, go to https://mdl.town/CompPlan online.
“State law requires that municipalities have a state-approved plan that is no more than ten years old,” Wolanski said. “The town’s current plan was approved by the state in November 2015. It’s an intensive process to draft the updated plan, so we’re beginning work now to ensure the next plan is adopted by November 2025.”
Wolanski said the comprehensive plan is one of the most critical documents for Middletown — both today and the future.
“The plan is the vision and policy document that guides town decision-making in several areas, such as land use & zoning, transportation, housing, conservation, public facilities and resilience to climate change,” Wolanski said. “It includes the town’s goals in these areas, and action steps the town will take to achieve these goals.”
Moving forward, Wolanski said the survey and attending the committee’s meetings are two opportunities for participation in the process. He noted there will also be special workshops and surveys planned along with other outreach efforts part of the review process, all which will be well advertised.
“While town staff and consultants will help guide the process and do a lot of the work in support of the effort, it is the volunteers, all of whom are Middletown residents, who will determine the goals, policies and actions that are included in the plan,” Wolanski said.
Although not expected to be an issue, Wolanski said it was important for Middletown to move swiftly — but thoughtfully and deliberately — through the comprehensive plan review process.
“Under state law, if state approval of the town’s plan has expired, any projects in town proposed by state agencies need not comply with the expired plan,” Wolanski said. “Also, if the town’s state-approval plan is more than 12 years old (meaning two years past expiration), town boards cannot use inconsistency with the plan as a basis for denying a development application.
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/9478/NYCU-Comp
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