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Middletown Shares
We want to hear what you think
Middletown Shares is a new, town-sponsored community platform for residents, businesspeople and visitors to learn and discuss some of the ongoing issues of Middletown.
As part of the platform, the latest information about an issue will be loaded to this webpage. This could include everything from design plans for a project and artist renderings to a video of a community forum and other important documents. There will also be a passively moderated forum available for anyone to chat and discuss the issues in a safe, threat-free environment.
The thinking with Middletown Shares is it will help the entire community understand the issues of Middletown better in a more holistic, grassroots way. Remember, we might not all agree all of the time, but we should all be focused on making family friendly Middletown the best place possible to live, work and play.
School Building Situation
On Election Day, Middletown voters overwhelmingly approved regionalization and a $235 million bond for three new schools. Unfortunately, Newport voters decided to leave close to $50 million in state aid on the table and reject the proposal.
As a result, the Town of Middletown is moving forward, now trying to decide the best option to give local students and educators the safe and healthy school buildings they need and deserve.
The latest plan up for consideration is a new combined middle-high school on multi-use fields just north of Gaudet Middle School on Aquidneck Avenue, a project the Town Council is looking to send to a special election, likely on Nov. 7.
School Building Situation Documents
"New School Site Gets Strong Grades"
Get Heard On What You'd Like To See With New Schools
"Another Report Finds Major Problems With Middletown High & Gaudet Middle School Buildings"
"Cost Savings Could Be On The Way For Proposed Schools"
"School Architect Contract Awarded"
Gaudet Middle School & Middletown High School Facility Condition Index Report
"School Bond Special Election Day Shifted -- Likely Nov. 7"
"Educational Expert Working With Middletown To Improve, Upgrade Schools"
"New School Bond Looks Like It's Heading To A May 2 Special Election"
Projected Tax Impact Of New Middle-High School
"Middletown Moving Forward With School Plans -- Without Regionalization"
Colliers School Building Plan Report
Hilltop Securities School Building Financing Report
"New Combined Middle-High School Mulled In Middletown"
New School Building Report 11/30/22
New School Building Report Options A-D1 (11/30/22)
New School Building Report Options A-D1 Part 2 (11/30/22)
"Middletown Moving Forward To Improve Schools, How To Be Answered Quickly"
Fiscal 2024 Budget
The proposed budget determines spending on everything from the number of school buses on the road to lifeguards at Sachuest Beach as well as police officers part of the force.
This year, the proposed school budget is expected to be sent to the town in late March, with a preliminary budget to the Town Council on April 1. While firm numbers haven't been submitted yet, school and town officials have said a challenging budget year is anticipated.
Take part in the conversation by clicking on the following link: Budget Ideas
Affordable Housing
No matter where you turn in Town, one of the hot topics is the cost of housing. A mirror of what's happening now across the country, some say they can't afford to live in Town anymore and are getting forced from their homes, while others say they'd like to buy into Middletown, but the prices are prohibitive. In response, the Town's Affordable Housing Committee is looking at the options, including bringing projects to the Oliphant administration building at 26 Oliphant Lane and the former Peckham School at 650 Green End Ave.
Get in on the conversation by clicking the Affordable Housing link and offering your feedback and ideas.
Affordable Housing Documents
"Pros & Cons Of Affordable Housing Plan Aired"
"Affordable Housing Briefing Planned For Jan. 18"
"Senior Capstone Project Looks At Affordable Housing"
"Town Affordable Housing Project Takes A Major Step"
"Housing Is Happening In Middletown"
Short-Term Rentals
There are some issues that just spark conversation. In Middletown, short-term rentals seem to be one item that generates discussion, no matter where you go.
After hearing concerns from some residents and short-term rental operators themselves, the Town promised to step up enforcement on problem properties, something that has been delivered.
To offer input on what you'd like to see happen with short-term rentals in Middletown, visit Short-Term Rental Forum online to share your ideas and opinions.
Short-Term Rentals Documents
"Review Of Short-Term Rentals On The Way"
"Short-Term Rental Conversation Continues"
Short-Term Rental Task Force Created
Short-Term Rental Task Force Meeting 1
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Notes
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Meeting -- July 29, 2021
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Meeting Posting
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Minutes -- July 29, 2021
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Meeting Video - Aug. 5, 2021
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Agenda Aug. 25, 2021 Meeting
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Meeting Video Aug. 25, 2021
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Agenda Sept. 2, 2021
Town Council Short-Term Rental Subcommittee Meeting Video Sept. 2, 2021
"Middletown Center" Town Center
The Town of Middletown is working with a local development team to remake 15 underused acres in the heart of the community into a new town center known as "Middletown Center." The town is currently negotiating with the prospective developers for a deal to reuse the area, with talks ongoing but no formal announcements yet.
"Middletown Center" Town Center Documents
"Advisory Board Recommends Changes To 'Middletown Center' Plan"
"Middletown Center" Negotiations Continue
"Middletown Center" Plan Cleared To Take Next Step
Revised "Middletown Center" Proposal
Planning Department Links To Latest "Middletown Center" Information
"Middletown Center" Clears Initial Hurdle
Planning Board April 21 Agenda
News You Can Use -- "Middletown Center""
"Middletown Center" Introductory Video
"Middletown Center" Questions & Answers
"Middletown Center" Conceptual Plan
Linden Park
The Town Council is considering multiple ideas for the future of Linden Park at 141 West Main Road. Among those include redoing the five-acre park with a new playground, playing field and four pickleball courts on the southwestern corner of the site.
Previously, the Town's Affordable Housing Committee suggested the property be in the mix for a new affordable housing project, but that idea was shelved by the Town Council. Now, the former Peckham School site at 650 Green End Avenue and Oliphant administration building at 26 Oliphant Lane are part of that conversation.
Get in the conversation by clicking on the Linden Park link.
Narragansett Electric (National Grid) Plans For Old Mill Lane Liquified Natural Gas Operation
In January 2019, close to 7,500 customers in Middletown and Newport lost natural gas service in the middle of winter. Ever since, the utility provider has been under pressure to find reasonable solutions that guarantee there's no repeat without creating other problems.
On June 7, 2021, the Town Council received the latest information related to the effort. To view this paperwork and a video circulated by the council, check out all the links.
Also, to participate in a community discussion about the Narragansett Electric proposal, visit Old Mill Lane LNG Forum online to let your voice be heard.
Old Mill Lane LNG Documents
Energy Facility Siting Board LNG Letter
Narragansett Electric LNG Project
National Grid Old Mill Lane Notice
State PUC Old Mill Lane Info Session Video (Scroll to 52:50 of the video to see the action)
Order Granting Conditional Waiver & Staying Licensing Proceedings
National Grid Old Mill Lane Submission
National Grid Old Mill Stakeholder Presentation
March 15, 2022 NYCU About Middletown Objecting to Lack of Information about Old Mill Lane site
Middletown Outreach Department
In the Fiscal 2023 budget, the Town Council created a new Outreach Department to expanding its out of classroom opportunities available to students and adults across the community. Headed by Lori Turner, find out more at Outreach Department online.