On Monday, the Town Council applauded the #MiddletownRI schools for their continued great results, set a Dec. 8 tentative date to talk with Newport leaders about regionalizing schools, heard about a proposed street fair in lower Aquidneck Avenue and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night, Nov. 17, 2025
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: Thomas Welch
Of Note:
- Applauded the Middletown school system, its teachers and students — led by Superintendent Billy Niemeyer — for the continued positive news with every school in the community being three starts and four stars for Aquidneck School. Council President Paul Rodrigues and other council members encouraged the schools to keep on track and continue to make everyone proud.
- Set a tentative Dec. 8 date for a joint workshop between Middletown and Newport councils about school regionalization between the two communities. Based on preliminary details, the session would be at 5:30 pm from the Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave.
- Considered a proposal from Rodrigues, Vice President Tom Welch and Councilor Peter Connerton to hold a street fair in the Atlantic Beach District similar to the Broadway street fair in Newport. Rodrigues asked for a fiscal impact statement from the effort and for the town to set a workshop for residents, businesses, the Economic Development Advisory Committee and others to discuss the concept.
- Asked town staff to coordinate a meeting with Newport Water officials about their plans now and into the future at the request of Councilman Dennis Turano.
- Discussed holding a five-year budget workshop early in 2026 at Turano’s request.
- Heard from Middletown Historical Society President Mary Dennis about the work by the volunteer group to help preserve historic stone walls across the community. She asked anyone interested in preserving stone walls to contact the historical society at 401-849-1870 or history@middletownhistoricalsociety.org via email.
- Received a report from former council President Chris Semonelli about an affordable housing summit Wednesday from 10 am-2 pm at the CCRI Newport campus.
- Approved an ordinance requiring horses walking on town ways and beaches to wear diapers to help keep the community clean.
Next Meeting: Monday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21635/MMM-111725
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