The #MiddletownRI Town Council met Monday night for its lone meeting in August, covering lots of territory. That included backing keeping the birthing center at Newport Hospital open, updates to the new school and library projects and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday, Aug. 4
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: None.
Of Note:
- Unanimously endorsed a resolution from council President Paul Rodrigues and Councilor Christopher Logan advocating for the continued operation of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital. “I think it was really cool how the communities came together, Newport, Jamestown, Middletown and Portsmouth,” Rodrigues said. “It’s the right thing to do for our island community.”
- Got feedback from residents and the Middletown Affordable Housing Committee members urging the town to walk away from the Middletown Center project and transform the area into affordable housing and a community gathering space instead. The Middletown Center proposal is slated for public hearings on Sept. 16 and 30 at 6 pm in the Middletown High School cafetorium.
- Received a report from Shared Facilities Director Ed Collins that the new Middletown Public Library at 110 Enterprise Center behind Town Hall continues to move according to schedule.
- Heard from Collins that work on the new Middletown Middle High School remains squarely on time and on budget. He noted Gilbane Building Company was “fully mobilized” at the work site at 1225 Aquidneck Ave. and the pouring of concrete for the new building could begin as soon as this Wednesday.
- Listened to a presentation from Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan for a better understanding of the nonresident portion of the town’s Tiered Residential Tax Program. The program was instituted by the council in late 2021 to make the community more affordable for residents. For a copy of the presentation, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20232/Presentation-re-Amendments-to-Two-Tiered-Tax-Ordinance online.
- Approved licensing for Cumberland Farms to replace the Neon Marketplace gas station and shop at 533 East Main Road.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-8425
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