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.

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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.

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

Fiscal 2024 Budget Documents

"Fiscal 2024 Budget Prep Begins"

Fiscal 2024 School Department Revenue Memo

Fiscal23 Budget Approved

Fiscal 2023 Budget Q&A

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.


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.

"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.

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.

Linden Park Documents

Pickleball Courts Approved For Linden Park (7.18.22)

Revised Proposal For Linden Park (7.18.22)

Linden Park Proposal November 2021

Former Oliphant, Peckham Schools Emerge As Top Affordable Housing Options

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.


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.

Middletown Outreach Department Documents

General Assembly Support Memo

"Middletown Looks For Help With Its Outreach Group"

Town Council Resolution Supporting State Funding For Middletown Outreach Department

"After Hours Learning"

Town Council Resolution Supporting Making Education A Priority