#MiddletownRI continues its multi-prong effort to bring new housing to the community. The second public hearing on proposed amendments to assist with accessory dwelling units and multi-family homes is before the Town Council again on Feb. 18.
TOWN STRIVING TO BOOST HOUSING
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 6, 2025) – Middletown is working on multiple levels to address housing.
As the town strives to create new affordable housing in several locations, local leaders are looking to institute a number of amendments to the local’s zoning rules to make it easier to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and multi-family developments.
The Town Council held its first public hearings on the proposed amendments to its zoning ordinances Monday night in Town Hall, where people can speak on the recommended changes. The second hearing is slated for Feb. 18 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
“I know there’s been some interest in this topic over the past year or two as a result of legislation in the last General Assembly session,” Town Planner Ronald Wolanski said.
Concerned with the rising costs of housing, legislative leaders have pushed hard during recent General Assembly sessions for Rhode Island cities and towns to open their doors for more places for people to live.
Following the legislature’s lead, the council adopted several changes recommended by the Planning Board that would have been unheard of 20 years ago.
The proposals before the council this month are part of the second wave of regulation changes flowing from the state intended to clear the way for more housing.
To view the proposed amendments, go to https://middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17745/ADU-No-10, https://middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17749/DPR-No-11 and https://middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17751/Zoning-Code-No-12 online. Paper copies are also available in the Town Clerk and Planning offices in Town Hall.
This comes at a time when Middletown has been trying to develop about 75 units of affordable housing at 650 Green End Ave., 26 Oliphant Lane and 361-393 East Main Road across from Town Hall.
Groundbreaking for those projects hasn’t taken place because the town hasn’t been able to secure state assistance to help jumpstart the work yet.
A frequent topic of conversation on the council level, area officials urged the local General Assembly delegation to try to do more with affordable housing to assist communities like Middletown.
Council President Paul Rodrigues and Christopher Logan have also proposed implementing a new tax exemption for nonresidents who rent out their dwellings longterm.
The council approved tax incentives in 2022 to make the community more affordable for residents, with thousands taking advantage of the Tiered Residential Tax Program (TRTP).
Paperwork for the TRTP and other tax breaks must be submitted to the town no later than March 15. Applications are available at https://mdl.town/Tax-Help online.
Private developers also have at least 500 new units of housing approved or in the hopper in Middletown. Among those include the Middletown Center project at 600-740 West Main Road and the Rosebrook Commons development at 1747 West Main Road.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-ADU
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