PROJECTS 'IN MOTION'
TOWN PROJECT ONLINE DATABASE
The Town Project Online Database shares public information on Middletown's Projects across all departments. For any questions or concerns, please e-mail the Town Administrator at TownAdministrator@middletownri.gov.
PROJECT NAME:
2025 Red Road Paving Project
START DATE:
September 16, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
ON HOLD
END DATE:
May 26, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC WORKS
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Manage annual road paving projects utilizing pavement upgrade and/or pavement preservation techniques. Pavement Management Program details current condition assessment and ranking. Paving Scope(s): full depth mill to gravel base, gravel base to be replaced if existing gravel base is substandard, 2.5" binder and 1.5" top course; mill 1.5" and 1.5" top course.
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
This Project includes full depth replacement of road base on Miantonomi Ave, Boulevard and Rosedale Terr followed by asphalt binder and top coat. With new drainage improvements installed on these roads and also new sewer main installed on Rosedale Terr. This project also included cold plain recycling of the existing road base with regrading of the road for the asphalt binder and top coat.
PROJECT NAME:
Infrastructure - Oxbow Sidewalks
START DATE:
December 3, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
ON HOLD
END DATE:
June 7, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC WORKS
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Install sidewalks in Oxbow neighborhood on south side of Rogers Lane and southeast side of Jean Street
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
As of January 3, 2025, 65% of the project is complete. All 1 ½’’ binder course is completed. All but one Portland Cement ADA wheelchair ramp with detectable warning panel has been completed. All edges of the new sidewalk are backed up with loam and seeded. All transition patches from driveway to wheelchair ramps have been permanently paved. All edges from finished concrete to binder course are ramped up so as not to create a tripping hazard before finishing course is applied. The finishing course will be applied when the weather permits.
Work will reconvene once the weather warms up and the asphalt plants are back up and running for the season.
PROJECT NAME:
Community Learning Program
START DATE:
July 1, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
October 31, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
OUTREACH PROGRAM
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Newport and the Town of Middletown have partnered to develop a Community Learning Center at the Florence Gray Center in Newport. This initiative has secured a total of $7.5 million in federal funding through Rhode Island's Community Learning Center Municipal Grant program, part of the state's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. The project is led by the Newport Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, with support from both municipalities. The center aims to offer programs focused on education, workforce development, and health monitoring, serving residents of both communities. The collaboration between Newport and Middletown reflects a commitment to enhancing community services and resources, fostering a culture of learning, and improving the well-being of residents in both municipalities.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
The project team hosted the Pandemic Recovery Office for a quarterly compliance visit on 3/25/25 confirming the project in on time and on budget.
Brewster Thornton Group Architects have completed the schematic design. A public bid for construction managers went out, interviews have been completed, and a recommendation will be made to the Newport City Council for approval. Construction will begin summer 2025 with an October 2026 completion date.
A director for the Community Learning Center has been appointed to coordinate outreach, ensure compliance with grant requirements, and establish agreements with service providers. This role is jointly funded by Newport and Middletown, each contributing $50,000, supplemented by additional funding from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation and the state.
PROJECT NAME:
Infrastructure - Purgatory Sidewalks
START DATE:
June 3, 2019
PROJECT STATUS:
PLANNING
END DATE:
November 13, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC WORKS
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Construct roadway, stormwater and sidewalk improvements on Purgatory Avenue
CONTINGENCIES:
90% plans completed, awaiting final review by RIDEM and CRMC.
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
STIP Project 5072 - Install a sidewalk along Purgatory Road from Aquidneck Ave. in the Atlantic Beach business district to Second (Sachuest) Beach (approximately one mile). The project includes a 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk on the south side of Purgatory Road (reduced to 4 feet wide at some locations due to obstructions of limited right-of-way), two 10-foot travel lanes, and two 4-foot-wide shoulders. Design contract with VHB: 90% plans completed, final plans and permitting underway. Requests for temporary access easements for construction sent to applicable abutting property owners. Construction expected to begin Spring 2025.
PROJECT NAME:
Middletown Library Construction Project
START DATE:
February 21, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
February 21, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
LIBRARY
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Middletown Public Library is relocating to a 29,952-square-foot building at 110 Enterprise Center, saving taxpayers at least $14 million compared to previous plans. Purchased for $3.3 million, the property requires minimal renovations, offers ample parking, and enhances accessibility for patrons. The new facility will feature expanded spaces for teens, meetings, and study rooms, improving library services for the community. This move streamlines the "Middletown Center" project and avoids the complexities of constructing a new building.
CONTINGENCIES:
Until the OPM contract is approved, the library building committee is at a standstill. The April 2nd meeting has been cancelled.
NARRATIVE:
The Library Building Committee (LBC) had its first meeting on February 6, 2025, and voted to meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
April 1 update:
-The Library Building Committee recommended to the Town Council and the Library Board of Trustees that the Town enter into negotiations with Downes Construction for the role of Project Manager/Owner's Representative at its March 5th, 2025 meeting.
-An Open House was hosted by representatives of the Library staff and Building Committee on March 20th. The event was well attended and the visitors seemed excited about the opportunities that the new building at 110 Enterprise Center has to offer. It is estimated that approximately 100 people attended the event.
-The Town is finalizing the contract with Downes Construction for the role of Project Manager/Owner's Representative and plans to present it to the Town Council and Library Board of Trustees whenever the contract is ready.
PROJECT NAME:
Dunlap Wheeler Park Improvements Design Project
START DATE:
September 1, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
February 28, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Develop a plan to improve Dunlap-Wheeler Park to better serve the community, in the context of infrastructure improvements envisioned for lower Aquidneck Avenue. The park is in a highly visible location and serves as a gateway to Middletown and the Atlantic Beach District. It has potential as a community gathering place, but currently it has few amenities.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
Working in cooperation with the Open Space & Fields Committee, design contract with BETA Group to design improvements to Dunlap-Wheeler Park consistent with the recommendations of the 2007 Atlantic Beach District Master Plan, to potentially include reconfigured parking area to delineate it from adjacent private parking area (Newport Beach House); improve pedestrian access to park and to beach by adding boardwalk from park area to Easton's beach; provide additional amenities. Build upon ongoing public and private-sector investment in the Atlantic Beach District.
Online public input survey conducted in February 2025.
Presentation of initial concept plan to Open Space & Fields Committee for discussion happened on March 19, 2025, during the committee's regular meeting. Based on the committee's input, the concepts will be refined and prepared for a public workshop designed to gather community input on the project. This public workshop will be scheduled later this spring.
PROJECT NAME:
Comprehensive Community Plan Update
START DATE:
November 15, 2023
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
November 15, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee with consultant assistance from Stantec is in the process of drafting the next comprehensive plan for the Town. The effort began with the housing element and has continued with work on the transportation, climate change/resilience, and land use elements. Monthly committee meetings as well as public workshop sessions have been held. Final draft of the full comprehensive plan to be completed by November 2025.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
A second public workshop was held Jan. 23. Input being used to craft vision statements and priorities for each plan element.
Next monthly committee meeting March 13th, during which discussion of goals statements for each of the plan elements will continue.
The committee is now moving into the process to identify strategies and action steps for each element. Next committee meeting is April 10.
PROJECT NAME:
Middletown Center Development
START DATE:
February 5, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
April 30, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In October 2024, the council announced it had signed a 99-year agreement with local developers for the 15 acres of town property along West Main Road. The town properties include the former Navy Lodge land at the corner of Coddington Highway and West Main Road; the West Main Road Recreational Complex with Pottsy Field; the Middletown Public Library; and the former Kennedy School site. The agreement is to develop the land as a mixed use development with a hotel, retail, office and residential housing. Once completed, this proposed development will generate $1 million-plus annual revenue for the town in lease payments, hotel and meal tax, and commercial property taxes.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
The proposed zoning ordinance and comp plan amendments needed to allow the development to proceed was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Board during a special meeting on February 24th, but the meeting was canceled and is now being re-scheduled for Thursday, April 3, at 6:00 p.m. at the Gaudet Middle School cafetorium (259 Turner Road.)
The amendments will then be forwarded to the Town Council for consideration. Once the amendments are adopted, the developers would then be able to submit the land development project application to the Planning Board for consideration.
PROJECT NAME:
Financial Software - Consolidation Town and & School
START DATE:
July 1, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
June 30, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
FINANCE
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Implement new accounting software.
CONTINGENCIES:
None at this time
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
The Town and School Department have begun to implement a new financial software system that would consolidate their separate software into one software. This will create efficiency and ease of reviewing the accounting of both the town and school. The finance staff and vendor are going through uploading prior years history and information, along with creating proper internal controls within the system. The Finance Department is currently training with the various different modules. Training will be ongoing up until the go live date and thereafter. Department heads are tentatively set to be trained in Spring 2025.
PROJECT NAME:
Infrastructure - Atlantic Beach Streetscapes Design
START DATE:
March 6, 2018
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
February 28, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Engineering services contract with VHB to design improvements based on the Atlantic Beach Master Plan, completed August 2007. Proposed improvements include reconstruction of Aquidneck Ave., realignment of travel lanes, sidewalk installation and improvements, drainage improvements, street furniture (benches, trash receptacles), street trees, and decorative street lighting includes Newport Ave./Aquidneck intersection modification.
CONTINGENCIES:
Project completion depends on Town Council authorization to proceed to final design.
NARRATIVE:
The 30% design plans have been completed, reviewed by town officials & committees, and presented during a public workshop meeting. On March 3rd, the Town Council approved to proceed to 90% design. The 90% plans would be designed to accommodate undergrounding of overhead utilities in the event that funding for that aspect of the project is identified in the future.
PROJECT NAME:
MHS Renovations for Consolidated Elementary School
START DATE:
January 3, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
August 31, 2027
DEPARTMENT:
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Middletown, Rhode Island, plans to renovate the existing Middletown High School into a consolidated elementary school for grades 2 through 5, including administrative and maintenance offices. This transformation is part of a broader $190 million bond initiative approved by voters in November 2023, which also includes constructing a new combined middle-high school. The project aims to modernize educational facilities, enhance learning environments, and extend the useful life of existing buildings.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
Design Update:
The estimates for the 60% CD drawings and specifications for the ES Complex (Existing HS) have been reconciled to within 2%. The ES Complex construction budget (excluding soft costs) is $10.1M pending a follow up meeting with RIDE. (no changes to this update)
Colliers, the design team, Middletown Facilities Director, SBC vice-chair, Bentely, Rhode Island Energy, and Vision Energy Solutions met on March 19th to review incentive opportunities given by RI Energy. There will be a walkthrough held on March 28th at the existing High School to review the opportunities.
Construction Managers Update:
Colliers, the design team, Middletown Facilities Director, SBC vice-chair, and Bentley met on February 27th to review logistics of the construction at the existing high school over the summer of 2025. (no changes to this update)
Budget and Schedule:
The project remains on time and on budget.
RIDE:
The project team met with RIDE on March 13th to review both MPS projects. RIDE requested to explore incentive opportunities with RI Energy.
The ES Complex renovation project has been submitted to the RIDE portal for Design Development document approval with the updated NECHPS scorecard which now targets above the RIDE requirements. The team is prepared to submit 60% CDs following RI Energy incentive review.
Build RI:
At the March 26th SBC meeting, Colliers shared that the feasibility study is to be completed on/by March 31st.
AHJ Permitting:
RIDEM and RIDOT have provided comments on the respective permit applications, which the design team is actively working to address. (no changes to this update)
FAA Aeronautical Study is complete and requires no marking or lighting to be added to the MS/HS. (no changes to this update)
MISC:
Colliers has distributed the request for proposal (RFP) for Special Inspections and Materials Testing for both projects to the SBC Technical Review Committee and presented the proposal at the March 26th SBC meeting.
The School Building Committee voted to approve the security system contract using the Master Price Agreement from the Rhode Island Division of Purchases for the new MS/HS. The security system items shall be removed from Gilbane’s base-bid package (Electrical). The Town of Middletown will need to enter in contract terms with a security firm to procure the system and coordinate the installation with Gilbane during construction. Separating this contract from the construction management contract gives the town and school district better control for the ongoing integration and maintenance.
PROJECT NAME:
New Middle-High School
START DATE:
November 7, 2023
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
August 31, 2027
DEPARTMENT:
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
NARRATIVE:
Design Update:
The MS/HS 100% Construction Documents (CD’s) were distributed on March 7th. Colliers, the design team, and Gilbane held a purchasing kick-off meeting on March 3rd to review the subcontractor buyout schedule and protocols and parameters award process. The 60% CD estimate has been reconciled to the DD budget.
An addendum for both the Middle-High School and the ES Complex were distributed to the team on Friday, March 21st. The design team presented an interior design update at the March 26th SBC meeting.
Colliers, the design team, Middletown Facilities Director, SBC vice-chair, Bentley, Rhode Island Energy, and Vision Energy Solutions met on March 19th to review incentive opportunities given by RI Energy. There will be a walkthrough held on March 28th at the existing High School to review the opportunities.
Construction Managers Update:
Colliers, the design team, Middletown Facilities Director, SBC vice-chair, and Bentley met on February 27th to review logistics of the construction at the existing high school over the summer of 2025. (no changes to this update)
Gilbane continues to work on assembling bid packages and have distributed the first package to subcontractors on March 17th . Bids & scope reviews are to be complete for the first package by April 11th and Recommendations to Award (RTA’s) provided to the SBC by April 24th in advance of the April 30th SBC meeting. The first group of bid packages includes Sitework, Cast-In-Place Concrete, Structural Steel, and Elevators.
Budget and Schedule:
The project remains on time and on budget.
RIDE:
RIDE provided minor comments on the 60% CD submission for the MS/HS on March 3rd which were addressed and uploaded to the RIDE portal on March 7th.
The project team met with RIDE on March 13th to review both MPS projects. RIDE requested to explore incentive opportunities with RI Energy.
Build RI:
At the March 26th SBC meeting, Colliers shared that the feasibility study is to be completed on/by March 31st. This report will be presented to the Town Council at the April 7 regular meeting.
AHJ Permitting:
RIDEM and RIDOT have provided comments on the respective permit applications, which the design team is actively working to address. (no changes to this update)
FAA Aeronautical Study is complete and requires no marking or lighting to be added to the MS/HS. (no changes to this update)
PROJECT NAME:
Housing - East Main Road (EMR)
START DATE:
January 1, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
PLANNING
END DATE:
January 1, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Develop affordable home ownership units on town acquired property located at 351, 363 & 391 EMR.
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
Middletown, Rhode Island, is developing affordable housing at 351, 361, and 393 East Main Road, a 4.5-acre site near Town Hall. The project plans to construct 20 to 30 deed-restricted homes for first-time homebuyers, targeting residents earning up to 120% of the area median income. The town received nearly $2 million in funding from Rhode Island Housing for this initiative. Design firms are currently being solicited to advance the project.
The town housing consultant has been meeting with the design team several times and has another site review meeting on March 3. Three design options will be ready soon to share with the Affordable Housing Committee for review and then will be forwarded to the Town Council for their review and approval.
The town affordable housing consultant Frank Spinella presented the 3 designs for the East Main Road site to the Affordable Housing Committee on March 3. At their next meeting on May 1, the committee will vote on which design they recommend to the Town Council.
PROJECT NAME:
Housing - Berkeley & Oliphant
START DATE:
January 1, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
DELAYED
END DATE:
December 31, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Middletown plans to develop affordable housing at the former Berkeley-Peckham and Oliphant school sites, proposing senior apartments and multi-family units for residents earning 60% or less of the area median income. These projects aim to address the town’s affordable housing shortage and are funded through state housing initiatives and non-taxpayer sources. However, funding was denied in June 2024 due to concerns over low density and high costs, prompting the town to revisit project designs. Despite mixed community feedback, officials emphasize these developments are in the conceptual phase, with detailed assessments pending.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
On February 19, 2025, the Affordable Housing Committee received the presentation by housing consultant Pennrose on how the town might improve its application to the state to receive tax credit for the Berkeley Peckham and Green End Avenue affordable housing projects. The committee voted to recommend that the Town Council approve the Pennrose plans and continue to prepare an application for the next round to RI Housing due in December 2025.
The Town Council received this recommendation at the March 3 meeting, at which time they scheduled a special Town Council meeting on Monday, March 31, to have Pennrose present their proposal for a revised application to RI Housing that will have greater chance of qualifying for state financing.
PROJECT NAME:
Amending Two-Tiered Tax Ordinance to include Owners of Long-Term Rentals
START DATE:
December 16, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
June 30, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Town wishes to incentivize landlords to make dwelling units available for long term rental, in order to maintain the availability of housing within the community, by making such units eligible for the "owner-occupied" tax rate if they rented pursuant to a written lease for one year or longer and the dwelling units rented are the principal residences of the tenants.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
On March 3, 2025 the town council passed an an ordinance which expanded the eligiibility for the town's resident tax rate program. Property owners who rent their property to tenants who claim Middletown as their full-time residence are now eligible to receive the resident tax rate.
There are bills pending in the Rhode Island Senate and House of Representatives in the spring of 2025 that would provide State approval for enacting the program. (Legislation - Amend RIGL § 44-5- 11.8)
In anticipation of passage, the Tax Assessor has developed a form for these property types. To date, 40 applications have been submitted.