The #MiddletownRI Town Council held its first meeting of 2026 and there was no shortage of action, including multiple resolutions to state legislators, approval of a request from State Police for a license plate reader camera on West Main Road and more.
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road
Absent: None
Of Note:
- Signed off on a traffic study for Prospect Avenue to determine what’s happening in the area and if fixes are necessary due to speeding and commercial traffic. Police Chief Jason Ryan said the item will be studied in coming months, with a report back to the council on the department’s findings.
- Approved a request from the State Police to install a Flock license plate reader on West Main Road to assist with law enforcement. The council tabled a vote on a request to get six similar cameras, asking the Middletown Police Department to come up with a policy governing the use of Flock cameras before the issue is reintroduced.
- Awarded a $330,000 contract to Vision Government Solutions to perform a full revaluation in town, which is required under state law. Tax Assessor George Durgin said as the revaluation process begins to ramp up, his office will be pushing out more details to make sure all property owners were aware and informed about the process.
- Learned a project to replace close to 1,200 streetlights with LED units has been largely completed across the community, minus minor punch list items like correcting lighting that shines too brighting into some people’s homes. Town officials said the new lighting has been well received and already made a positive difference in town.
- Approved resolutions asking the General Assembly to pursue legislation to update the reimbursement rate for library construction, the payment in lieu of taxes for Department of Defense properties, funding for the regional emergency shelter at Middletown Middle High School, the cost of special education funding and student transportation and extending veterans’ property tax exemptions regardless of dates of service. During a November 2025 meeting, the council asked for local legislators to pursue each of the items. Visit https://mdl.town/NYCU-Leg26 for more.
- Okayed a special event permit for the Middletown Annual Egg Hunt hosted by the Middletown Outreach Department for March 28 at 10 am from the Wyatt Road soccer complex, with April 4 as a rain date.
Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 pm in Town Hall
Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-1526
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