Tonight's Town Council meeting drew a large crowd, many who showed up to speak about the safety and future of the Green End Avenue-Berkeley Avenue-Paradise Avenue intersection.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: None.
Of note:
- Listened to feedback from residents from the Green End Avenue-Berkeley Avenue-Paradise Avenue area about ways to slow down traffic and make the busy intersection safer. One suggestion that seemed to get traction was installing a roundabout to reduce traffic speeds, but concerns were expressed about the impact such a potential project could have on pedestrians. At the end of the conversation, council members clapped and thanked those in audience for their input, which will help the Town make a more informed decision about what to do next.
- Received a number of ideas from residents and businesspeople about how to best use close to $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money due to the Town. Among the suggestions included pitching in to help expand the Newport County Community Mental Health center, installing public water on the east side of Town, traffic and safety improvements to Green End Avenue and Paradise Avenue as well as the lower Aquidneck Avenue area and a public walking trail on the eastern side of Easton Pond and upgrades to public rights of way to the water, among others.
- Approved “housekeeping” changes to the new residential tiered tax rate, something suggested by Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan to make sure the ordinance functioned the way it was intended.
Next regular meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall.