Newsletter #7 - 1/12/19 Comprehensive Plan

Middletown Leads

WHAT IS MIDDLETOWN LEADS? 

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by providing information about the civic undertakings of the Town.  

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLANS – THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGE & TIME 

The State of RI requires that each community review and revise its Comprehensive Community Plan every 10 years.  It recognizes that change is inevitable with the passage of time. Thus it requires a progress review every 5 years and allows as many as 4 amendments per year. 

MIDDLETOWN’S COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLAN 

The current Community Comprehensive Plan was approved by The Middletown Planning Board on September 10, 2014; it was adopted by the Middletown Town Council On March 2, 2015.   

MIDDLETOWN’S PLAN – THE OVERALL VISION 

Middletown will preserve its quality of life for all generations as a safe and friendly community with a distinctive heritage, extraordinary cultural and natural resources, a strong local economy and fiscally sound government. 

In this and future newsletters, we will explore the various areas addressed by the Comprehensive Plan to see how it addresses the values it has defined as equally important to the community’s character:  

1. Cultural & Historic Resources     2. Natural & Ecological Resources     3. Recreation, Conservation, & Open Space      4. Economic Development                5. Transportation             

6. Housing       7. Facilities & Services              8. Land Use 

AREA # 2 – NATURAL & ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES 

The chief goals of this area of the Comprehensive Plan include the following: 

1. To ensure that new development takes place in an ecologically sound manner 

2. To protect and preserve the town’s natural drinking water supply 

3. To protect and restore valuable coastal resources 

4. To promote the preservation and restoration of Middletown’s ecological systems 

5. To protect the natural and rural character of Middletown 

6. To preserve existing forested areas and increase the town’s tree resources 

7. To reduce the town’s vulnerability to climate change impacts 

8. To protect and maintain the air quality of Middletown and Aquidneck Island 

9. To promote energy conservation and the development of renewable energy resources 

SOME SPECIFIC AREAS OF NATURAL & ECOLOGICAL INTEREST 

There are many conditions that warrant consideration in this area of the plan. Geology and Landforms include rock formations but also rich agricultural soil. Watersheds such as Bailey Brook, Paradise Brook, Maidford River, and Nelson Pond feed into 3 large ponds, which provide the local water supply.  

Saltmarshes, such as at Sachuest and Gardiner Pond, serve to reduce pollution of both water and air, but they are fragile and need protection. 

Topical areas such as forests, open fields, greenways, and the beaches as well as the resident wildlife also need protection. Marshes, bogs, and swamps provide protective buffer zones around reservoirs. 

ISSUES THAT MIGHT PRESENT CHALLENGES 

1. Sea level rise has increased the potential for flooding and drinking water contamination.   

2. Natural plant species are threatened by invasive species with bacteria that endangers the water supply. 

3. Management of stormwater is vital to the reduction of pollution and the protection of public health. 

4. While a majority of Middletown has sewer service, some areas of town still have septic systems that contain pollutants such as nutrients, suspended solids, oil, grease, and pathogens.  

5. Renewable energy, alternate forms of transportation that reduce carbon monoxide, and the mitigation of night light pollution are also of interest.   

6. The division of the Comprehensive Plan into 8 equal sections suggests a delicate balance between the protection of the environment and the needs of man. 

NEXT WEEK -  

The January 19, 2019 newsletter will discuss Recreation, Conservation, & Open Space as they are addressed in Middletown’s Comprehensive Community Plan  

Editorial - Educational Improvement? Ask the Teachers.

In 1993, MA passed its Ed Reform Act and has been a leader in educational reform because it developed clear and consistent curriculum mandates that ensured a high quality education for students across the state.  

How was it done? By asking the teachers to identify not only the essential student learnings but also the outcomes, the performance tasks, the benchmarks, and the evaluation methods that gave them the tools to perform their miracles in the classroom.

The word miracles is not used lightly. A good teacher is a treasure, a model to be emulated, but only if the administration provides the encouragement, support, and appreciation that make the difference between a job and a mission.

What is a good teacher?  There are many – at every level - but all fit the following description:

One who has a deep knowledge of the subject(s)

One who cares deeply about all the students – even the challenging ones.

One who has high expectations and inspires students to reach them.

One who engages students – even the little ones – in goal-oriented discussion.

One who asks questions – at every grade level – that promote critical thinking and analysis.

One who uses technology as a learning support, not as a replacement for teaching.

One who is always looking ahead in order to prepare students for the next grade or level.

One who revises and improves instructional units based on the current level of success.

One who continues to learn in order to become a better teacher.

One who is guided by a passion for the work. 

These are the miracle workers who experience successes and failures every day, maintaining a positive outlook, leaving everything else behind when they close the classroom door.

What makes a good administrator?

Multiple years of experience in the classroom - at as many grades/levels as possible - and memories of the experience that facilitate shared understanding.

A focus on supporting the teachers in their efforts to provide a quality education and experience for the students.

A willingness to address uncomfortable issues when the need arises, be it with a teacher or with a parent.

Clarity about the responsibilities of leadership and an absence of ego. 

Note that none of the above is about money – although obviously work of any kind warrants remuneration. It only says that the best educators place the most value on what they can provide for the students. Ask the teachers. They know how it’s done.

Newsletter # 6 - January 5,2019

MIDDLETOWN LEADS 

WHAT IS MIDDLETOWN LEADS? 

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by providing information about the civic undertakings of the Town.  

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLANS – THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGE & TIME 

The State of RI requires that each community review and revise its Comprehensive Community Plan every 10 years.  It recognizes that change is inevitable with the passage of time. Thus it requires a progress review every 5 years and allows as many as 4 amendments per year. 

MIDDLETOWN’S COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PLAN 

The current Community Comprehensive Plan was approved by The Middletown Planning Board on September 10, 2014; it was adopted by the Middletown Town Council On March 2, 2015.   

MIDDLETOWN’S PLAN – THE OVERALL VISION 

Middletown will preserve its quality of life for all generations as a safe and friendly community with a distinctive heritage, extraordinary cultural and natural resources, a strong local economy and fiscally sound government. 

In this and future newsletters, we will explore the various areas addressed by the Comprehensive Plan to see how it addresses the values it has defined as equally important to the community’s character:  

1. Cultural & Historic Resources     2. Natural & Ecological Resources     3. Recreation,          Conservation, & Open Space       4. Economic Development            5. Transportation            6. Housing                  7. Facilities & Services                    8. Land Use 

AREA # 1 - CULTURAL & HISTORIC RESOURCES 

The chief goals of this area of the Comprehensive Plan include the following: 1. To save … historically or architecturally significant properties and natural heritage sites 2. To preserve historic landscapes 3. To share historic resources and make history and culture a vital part of the community. 

SOME SPECIFIC AREAS OF HISTORIC & CULTURAL INTEREST 
Many Middletown areas are significant in that they contain Victorian, Late Victorian, and early 20th Century residences as well as agricultural settings that often include stone walls and windmills as well as natural and man-made landmarks.  

Residences include those on Indian Avenue, Mitchell’s Lane, Paradise Avenue, and Greene Lane. Stone walls can be found throughout the town while windmills are featured at Prescott Farm on the Middletown-Portsmouth town line and at Paradise Valley Park.  

Natural wonders include Paradise Rocks and Hanging Rocks as well as Purgatory Chasm.  

Among the sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places are Whitehall, the Witherbee School, the Paradise School, Bailey Farm and well-known area enclaves such as the Church of St. George and the Clambake Club. 

Historic Landscapes identified by the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission include Rhode Island Nurseries, Gray Craig, and both the Green End and West Main Road Agricultural Landscapes. 

ISSUES THAT MIGHT PRESENT CHALLENGES 

Unfortunately, there is an absence of protective historical identification or designation of some areas, so they remain unprotected in spite of the recognition of their historical and/or cultural value.  

In addition, the forces of time and change – and other considerations – often bring development that some consider a threat to the historic resources or farmland.  

It may be that the answer to any opposing forces is balance – the importance of respecting and valuing the past – oftentimes by documentation -  while facilitating appropriate growth that meets the needs of the residents of the future.  

The Comprehensive Plan tries to address these issues by adopting and enforcing ordinances, developing zoning restrictions, and otherwise identifying and protecting historic and cultural resources while partnering with organizations such as the Middletown Historical Society and the Preservation Society of Newport County. 

NEXT WEEK  
The January 12, 2019 newsletter will discuss Natural and Ecological Resources as they are addressed in Middletown’s Comprehensive Community Plan.  

NTW - Resolutions for Being Engaged

The following editorial was published in the January 3, 2019 edition of Newport This Week. In a time when there is less civic engagement than ever before, the suggestions warrant  attention. Thank you Newport This Week!

Resolutions for Being Engaged

As the New Year begins, the word resolution is always bantered about. ... We hope our residents will continue to read, reflect and stay engaged in what’s happening on our island ....

To help you do that, we have some New Year’s resolutions to suggest. For starters, make an effort to attend just one City Council, School Committee, Planning Board or Zoning Board meeting this year to stay informed about your local government. Secondly, let us know how you felt about an article in a Letter to the Editor. Thirdly, thank a police officer or firefighter for keeping our community safe. And finally, show your appreciation to a teacher or anyone who interfaces with the youth of our community, for they are the future.

Of course, there are many other ways to give thanks and stay engaged with your community, but hopefully these suggestions will provide a positive head start for the New Year.

Newsletter # 5 - December 29, 2018

Middletown Leads

What is Middletown Leads?

Middletown Leads is a weekly newsletter intended to connect the Middletown community by providing information about civic undertakings by the Town.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SENIORS

After lengthy discussion, the Town of Middletown has issued a Request for Proposals relative to a Senior Affordable Housing Feasibility Study to identify needs, funding options, possible locations, and partners. Additionally, a market analysis and recommendations will provide a basis for the Town to make informed decisions.

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Proposals must address the following tasks:

Task 1. Identify need - Using best available practices, determine the need for affordable senior citizen housing in Middletown. This includes providing estimates of the number, types and locations of units, and the types of services (on-site or adjacent) needed to serve the needs of current and future Middletown senior residents. 

Task 2. Funding options – Identify and describe all available funding mechanisms available to the Town and/or private partner. Include funding eligibility requirements, and process and timeframes for securing each type of funding.

Task 3. Market analysis - A market analysis that will provide the Town with an understanding of the potential for success for non-profit and/or for-profit development of senior housing.

Task 4. Identify potential locations – Based on the above identified needs, identify preferred location(s) in town for the development of affordable housing. In consultation with the Town, evaluate the suitability of particular town-owned and/or private properties.

Task 5. Identify potential partners – Identify organizations active in the area who develop, own and operate Senior Affordable Housing that the Town sees as a model for satisfying its housing needs.  Identify number of housing units, number of developments, years in operation, local community involvement and history of partnering with other agencies.  

Task 6. Implementation recommendations – Provide recommendations on the actions the town should take, including organizational structure, funding, partnerships, etc. to facilitate development of senior affordable housing.

The submittal deadline is 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019. It is likely that a recommendation for a consultant will be forwarded to the Town Council at the February 4, 2019 meeting.

The contract term is to be no more than four months, which means that the result of the study should reach the Town Council sometime in June. 

LOCATIONS

A number of different buildings have been suggested in recent years as possible locations for senior housing. A favorite seems to the old Peckham School, which is conveniently adjacent to the Senior Center on Green End Avenue although concerns have been expressed about its condition as well as its distance from the common areas of the town.

Another location that has been mentioned is Oliphant School, which currently houses the Middletown Public Schools Administration. It offers close proximity to a shopping center that includes a grocery store.

And then, who knows what possible other locations might become available when a serious effort is underway? 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING - OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The State of Rhode Island requires that each community contain 10% affordable housing. Middletown currently has a little over 6%.  It should be noted, however, that affordable housing is not by definition senior housing. Affordable housing is intended to serve a number of different populations including starter homes for families with children as well as young professionals who can be recruited to work in the companies that provide the economic foundation for the town. Middletown’s population is aging, so the concern for the senior citizens is natural. However, the Town must address the needs of other populations as well.
 Connect Greater Newport, a division of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, is an organization that is very concerned about the absence of affordable housing on Aquidneck Island because of the potential impact on commercial development.  A company considering re-locating on Aquidneck Island will consider not only the economic potential but also its ability to re-locate its professional staff.
 Affordable housing is a priority. If you build it, they will come. Our local economy depends on it.