News Flash

Middletown Meeting Matters -- Town Council, April 6, 2026

On Monday night, the Town Council asked the state to fully fund several programs that would mean real dollars to #Middletown and other communities across Rhode Island. For news on those items and more, check out this Middletown Meeting Matters.

Town News and Updates Posted on April 07, 2026

MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS 

MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL

When: Monday night, April 6, 2026

Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road

Absent: None

Of Note:

  • Without committing the town financially or to any legal action, unanimously approved a resolution from the Portsmouth Town Council calling for reviewing, analyzing and responding to 2025 affordable housing laws. Several Portsmouth officials spoke, saying the laws were taking away local control from communities and pushing far too much housing density that doesn’t fit in many areas of the state. Several communities like Bristol, Tiverton and other suburban and rural municipalities have supported the effort to date.
  • Unanimously supported a resolution opposing the so called “Taylor Swift” tax on non-owner occupied properties. Area officials said the program would have a significant impact on the community’s ability to tax its property owners. That’s because the state would essentially be coming in and scooping up some of that revenue for itself, and taking it away from the town. Local leaders said approximately 35 percent of all homes in town were non-owner occupied and 15 percent of those were assessed at more than the $1 million threshold for the “Taylor Swift” tax to kick in.
  • Passed a resolution asking the state to fully fund the School Housing Aid Program, which local leaders said would result in real dollars coming to Middletown to support the community that weren’t now.
  • Voted unanimously to back a resolution asking the state to fully fund state aid to public libraries at the full 25 percent.
  • Learned work on the Boulevard and Miantonomi Avenue hill road project is expected to remobilize, with upgrades expected to take a number of weeks to complete. Town officials said the repairs should fix drainage problems that have caused issues in the area.
  • Granted liquor and food service licenses to the Newport National Golf Club, which has installed nine new holes and a clubhouse on Mitchell’s Lane. Club officials said the goal was to open the new course and clubhouse in coming weeks.
  • Thanked Nicholas P. Coogan for his 20 years plus of work volunteering on the town’s Open Space & Fields Committee. Local leaders said Coogan served the community with distinction and made a true difference to Middletown.
  • Unanimously approved a resolution marking April 24 as Arbor Day in Middletown at the request of council President Paul M. Rodrigues. “I think a lot of times we take the beauty of trees for granted and all they bring to the community,” Rodrigues said.

Next Regular Meeting: April 20, 2026 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall

Document Link: https://mdl.town/MMM-4626

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