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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Middletown Shares No. 6

American Rescue Plan Act Input

Middletown is expected to receive close to $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act money. The Town wants to hear what you think the federal funding should be used for, whether it’s public health, infrastructure, economic relief or other options.

Local leaders have said they’d like to do something special with the money, something that has a lasting impact on the community rather than a stopgap measure. The deadline to submit ideas and suggestions is Dec. 17. The Town Council is expected to decide on the Town’s priority list in late February 2022.

We welcome any and all ideas. Visit Community Voice to add to the conversation. Think creatively and help make Middletown an even better place to live, work and play.

Middletown Shares No. 6 Documents

ARPA Input & Ideas Announcement

ARPA Rules & Timeline

ARPA Intro Video

ARPA Input Form

Middletown Shares No. 5

School Buildings & Grounds

For years, Middletown has talked about what to do with its school building and grounds, if anything.

To date, the schools and community have focused on a "fix what we have model," where the existing facilities are renovated and improved.

Now, a new school Building Committee is tackling the issue again, with the Town Council on board with a Stage 1 submission to the state that Middletown is interested in improving its school buildings. 

Especially attractive is the at least 35 percent reimbursement essentially guaranteed from the state, a figure that could go up to 52 percent plus if certain thresholds are met.

To see the lengthy Stage 1 submission, check it out under the documents section. To participate in a community dialogue on the issue, click on the School Building & Grounds link and add your thoughts.

Middletown Shares No. 5 Documents

Middletown Schools Stage 1 Submission To RIDE

Town Council Approves Stage 1 Application

Town Council Considers Stage 1 Application

Middletown Shares No. 4

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 this summer.

As that work continues, the Town Council created a new Short-Term Rental Task Force to investigate the matter and come up with fair, equitable solutions. 

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 Shares No. 3

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, 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 Shares No. 2

Proposed Fiscal 2022 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 budget is $75.9 million, which a 1 percent more than the current figure. If approved, the residential tax rate is expected to be $12.59 per $1,000 of assessed value compared to $16.66 per $1,000 of assessed commercial value.

Take part in the conversation by clicking on the following link: Budget Ideas

                       or

Email town officials directly at Budgets@MiddletownRI.com

  1. Senior Affordable Housing

    No matter where you turn in Middletown, there seems to be consensus there's a need for more affordable housing for local seniors. What's at issue is where should this housing go, who should pay for it and how much of it is needed. With Middletown Shares, we're encouraging residents, businesspeople and visitors alike to chime in about what you'd like to see happen and how. Remember, this is a moderated, family-friendly forum, so keep it civil and let's hear and learn from each other to help come up with the best solution for all of Middletown.

View All

Senior Affordable Housing Documents

  1. Middletown Senior Housing Question and Answers
  2. Senior Housing Preliminary Scheme
  3. Apartment Market Study
  4. Berkeley Peckham School Infrastructure memo