The Middletown Town Council made several important decisions at their Monday night meeting, including approving a new tax incentive for long-term housing rentals and setting a date to discuss affordable housing proposals.
The council unanimously backed a tax break for residential landlords offering long-term rentals, a plan put forward by Council President Paul Rodrigues and Councilor Chris Logan. Landlords interested in the tax break can apply through the town’s tax office until May 15.
A special meeting is now set for March 31 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall to talk about affordable housing proposals for 650 Green End Ave. and 26 Oliphant Lane.
The council also gave the go-ahead for planning staff and consultants to move forward with 90% designs for improvements to the lower Aquidneck Avenue area, known as the Atlantic Beach District. A VHB consultant showed early plans for enhancing pedestrian areas, businesses, stormwater drainage, and traffic flow.
In a nod to the retiring director of Discover Newport, the council declared March 3, 2025, as “Evan Smith Day.”
The Aquidneck Island Land Trust provided an update on climate resilience work, and the council, together with the School Committee, awarded a project labor agreement feasibility study for the new Middle-High School to Pannone, Lopes, Devereaux & O’Gara, LLC.
The next regular Town Council meeting is set for March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
Watch the meeting below.
