The #MiddletownRI Town Council addressed several important issues Monday night, including recognizing Evan Smith, approving a new tax break for longterm residential landlords, setting a March 31 special meeting about affordable housing and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday, March 3, 2025.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: None.
Of Note:
- Proclaimed March 3, 2025 as “Evan Smith Day” in honor of the longtime director of Discover Newport, which works to promote the area for tourism and more. Smith retired recently and was applauded for his amazing, constant efforts to make the region a world-class destination. “There will never be another Evan Smith,” council President Paul Rodrigues said.
- Unanimously authorized the town’s planning staff and consultants to move forward with 90 percent designs for the improvement of the lower Aquidneck Avenue area, also known as the Atlantic Beach District. A VHB consultant said the project — if it gets built — would improve the look and feel of the area for pedestrians and businesses, stormwater drainage and traffic flow. The early plans also showed a reconfiguration of the Newport Avenue area to include a green space and stormwater management improvements. To view the presentation, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18042/Lower-AA-30 online.
- Approved a new tax break for residential landlords who rent long term to help promote more housing for families. The idea of Rodrigues and Councilor Chris Logan, both have said the effort should help boost existing available housing stock, part of the community’s ongoing work to make Middletown an even better place to live, work and play. Those who might be eligible have the chance to file applications with the town’s tax office through May 15.
- Set a March 31 date at 6 pm in Town Hall for a special meeting about affordable housing proposals for 650 Green End Ave. and 26 Oliphant Lane. The goal of the meeting is to provide information to residents and give everyone a chance to ask questions and provide input. To see the latest plans, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18043/AH-Plan-3325 online.
- Got an update on work on climate resilience by the Aquidneck Island Land Trust, part of ongoing work across the area to harden the area for storms, bad weather and other issues.
- Along with the School Committee, awarded a project labor agreement feasibility study to Pannone, Lopes, Devereaux & O’Gara, LLC related to work on the new Middle-High School.
Next Meeting: Monday, March 17 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-3325
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