THIS MEETING CAN BE HEARD IN ITS ENTIRETY ON THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN WEBSITE WWW.MIDDLETOWNRI.COM OR THE DVD IS AVAILABLE AT THE MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY.
At a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Middletown, RI held by telephone conference at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road, Middletown, RI on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.
Council President Robert J. Sylvia, Presiding
Vice President Paul M. Rodrigues
Councillor M. Theresa Santos
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas
Councillor Thomas P. Welch, III, Members Present
Councillor Terri Flynn, Absent
Members and Participants Present by Teleconference and Webinar/Meeting.
POSTED – MARCH 3, 2021
SPECIAL MEETING – MARCH 11, 2021
The following items of business, having been filed with the Town Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before the Council at a Special Meeting to be held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. - Said meeting will be conducted by telephone conference call/ webinar, in accordance with Executive Order 20-46 issued by Governor Raimondo on April 15, 2020, extended to March 4, 2021, which modifies certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) and the Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”) as part of the State’s emergency response to COVID-19. Members of the public may access and listen to the meeting in real-time by calling 1-877-853-5257 (Toll Free) or 1-888-475-4499 (Toll Free) and entering Meeting ID: 850 7765 7395; or on the web at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85077657395 .
Any person not a member of the Council, desiring to address the Council concerning this matter, shall submit a written request to the Town Clerk. Persons are permitted to address the Council for a period not to exceed three (3) minutes. Citizens that wish to speak must submit a written request either dropped off at Town Hall or emailed to both wmarshall@middletownri.com and kclancey@middletownri.com . Request must include how you will be identified/named on zoom. The request must be filed at least 30 minutes prior to the meeting. If a request is not filed, you will not be able to address the matter.
If calling in by telephone pressing *9 raises your hand and pressing *6 will unmute.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, Town Clerk
Town of Middletown
Town Hall – 350 East Main Road
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
Dear Ms. Marshall:
Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 203 of the Town Charter and in accordance with Sections 42-46-2., 42-46-3., 42-46-4., 42-46-5 and 42-46-6., RIGL, I hereby call a Special Meeting of the Town Council to formally consider, discuss and vote upon the following item of business:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
1. Discussion of the Location of Affordable Senior Housing at The Berkeley-Peckham School Property, Project priorities, how to proceed and matters related thereto.
Said meeting will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Town Council will meet in accordance with Executive Order 20-46.
____________________________________
Robert J. Sylvia, President
Middletown Town Council
cc: Town Council Town Administrator Town Solicitor
Finance Director Public Library
This meeting location is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals requiring interpreter services for the hearing-impaired should notify the Town Clerk’s Office at 847-0009 not less than 48 hours before the meeting.
Posted on March 3, 2021 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library, Middletown Web Site and Secretary of State Web Site.
Council President Sylvia reviewed the history of the project.
Councillor Turano noted that Council President Sylvia summed up the history. Mr. Turano explained that he welcomes feedback and the willingness to address resident concerns.
1. Discussion of the Location of Affordable Senior Housing at The Berkeley-Peckham School Property, Project priorities, how to proceed and matters related thereto.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin discussion of the location of Affordable Senior Housing at The Berkeley-Peckham School Property, Project priorities, how to proceed and matters related thereto.
Rita Finn, 209 Corey Lane, addressed the Council noting she endorses affordable senior housing. Ms. Finn did note concern of funding for the project being a federally funded connection and Middletown Seniors do not have preference for the housing.
Kevin Downey, 120 Corey Lane, addressed the Council noting concern with the location of the housing, there is no bus transportation and nothing in walking distance for the seniors. Mr. Downey suggested the Council revisit and maybe use Kennedy School, since it would have access to public transportation.
Katherine Elshant, 54 Berkeley Court, addressed the Council, reviewing the following letter:
Dear Council Members,
My name is Catherine Elshant, I live at 54 Berkeley Court. My late husband, George, and I bought this house 40 years ago and raised our four children here. All three of our sons played baseball at Berkeley Peckham ballfield. My father-in-law and husband also played ball there. This ballpark holds a lot of great memories for our family. I listened to the first meeting on February 9, concerning the development of senior citizen housing. I noticed more than once, Mr. Spinella talked about "just take some of the ballfield". (that's not going to happen) Thankfully, the neighbors at White Hall said that wasn't possible because the land is owned by the Colonial Dames.
When some of my elderly family members heard that senior housing was going to be put at Berkeley Peckham school we were excited. We thought great, we will be able to stay in the neighborhood and have affordable housing. (Thinking the existing building would be turned into apartments). After listening to the meeting on Feb. 9 I was very disturbed to find this is not what the council had in mind at all. It seems to me,(your mistaken, we're not trying to fill a quota) all they are trying to do is fill a quota (the 10% low income needed in Middletown) in order to become compliant with the federal funding. Once we take federal money, we have to obey all the rules and regulations that come along with it. Also, who do you think the federal government is? It is us, the taxpayers. Our taxes go up whenever we take federal money. (not a true statement). You say this is privately funded, but someone is making money at the expense of the neighborhood. The council keeps calling this "Affordable Senior Housing". Let's call it what it really is, low income housing. We have already been told it is not Middletown Senior Housing because it will be available to anyone over 55 (55 and older is considered senior ) in the low income bracket. I'm sure there are more than 40 people on a list in RI waiting for housing.
If it is senior housing, it doesn't make sense to put it in this area. As you know, there is no bus route here. You would have to have a car or walk everywhere. The only stores you can walk to in this area are 7-11 and a package store. The more reasonable place would be Linden School. It is on a bus line with easy access to grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and restaurants. It would be closer to the new Middletown Commons. I can't help but wonder, why hasn't this area been considered? Who lives in that neighborhood that has stopped this project from going forward on that property?(no one to my knowledge).
I have many other concerns, all of which puts a strain on our delicate ecosystem in this area.
The ballfield
Water run off
Septic/ Sewer
Maidford River
Light Pollution
Noise Pollution
Emergency Services
I appreciate the efforts the Town Council is making in regards to Affordable Senior Living. As someone who is now retired and on a fixed income myself, I fully understand the need for it. However, as I pointed out above, I do not think the Berkeley Peckham school site is the appropriate place in Middletown for a residential development.
Sincerely,
Catherine Elshant
54 Berkeley Court
Middletown, RI
Danielle McCarthy, 54 Berkeley Court, reviewed the following:
Christopher Greene, 516 Corey Lane, addressed the Council noting the notice he received for the prior meeting regarding Affordable Senior Housing. Mr. Greene explained that the last meeting was short notice and the document seemed to be confusing.
Dave Layman, 307 Corey Lane, addressed the Council noting he was speaking on behalf of himself, his wife, Karen, neighbors Roland and Ingrid Bennett of 506 Corey Lane. Mr. Layman expressed concern with the traffic, noise, and additional strain on Town services.
Ronald Augustus, 57 Berkeley Court, addressed the Council noting he is uncertain on how the building will fit without impacting the ballfield. Mr. Augustus also noted concern with the impact on parking for the ball field.
Charles Aboyoun, 717 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council noting he did not know there was a project being considered for the area until early February when he received notice. Mr. Aboyoun noted concern with parking for the ball field.
Rick Blass, 111 Compton View Drive, addressed the Council, noting that the project does not fit the area, concern with property values in the area and not following the Comprehensive Community Plan. Mr. Blass also explained he is not opposed to Senior Housing and suggests JFK School be considered as an option.
Debbie Lennon, 687 Green End Avenue, addressed the Council, noting that she agrees with what the people said before her. Ms. Lennon explained that the residents should have been notified of the project prior.
William and Jane Kelly, 46 Berkeley Court, addressed the Council noting concern with the current proposal of the project. Mr. Kelly explained that the facility is not exclusively for Middletown residents, traffic will be impacted, there are no sidewalks in the area, and it is not an appropriate use for the property.
Lawrence Frank, 8 O’Donnell Road, addressed the Council noting that all the residents’ concerns must be addressed prior to beginning the project.
Linda Finn, 351 Compton View Drive, addressed the Council noting support for the project. Ms. Finn explained that the facility makes sense next to the Senior Center and driving is easier for seniors not having to be on a busy road.
Ruth Silvia Lescher, 352 Paradise Avenue, addressed the Council noting concern with traffic, open space requirements, impact on utilities, school system and baseball field.
Discussion centered around residents concerns need to be addressed, how residents were notified of the project, senior survey was successful (seniors do not want to be on main roads), this facility will not be for low income families, it will be for seniors 55 years of age and over, ways to market the facility for Middletown residents, vetting all the environmental issues for the area, the baseball field being a priority, looking at other locations for the facility and getting the community involved in the project/process.
On motion of Council President Sylvia, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to re-instate the Senior Affordable Housing Committee.
On motion of Council President Sylvia, duly seconded, to solicit Town Council members for the Senior Affordable Housing Committee.
Vice President Rodrigues requested to remain on the committee to finish the project.
Council President Sylvia nominated Vice President Rodrigues for the committee, duly seconded.
Discussion centered around Council involvement with the project and the newly re-instated committee to meet and bring a recommendation to the Council and the Clerk to advertise for public members for the committee.
Councillor Santos offered to participate on the committee.
Council President Sylvia nominated Councillor Turano for the committee, duly seconded.
Council President Sylvia nominated Councillor Santos for the committee, duly seconded.
On motion of Council President Sylvia, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to appoint Vice President Rodrigues, Councillor Santos and Councillor Turano to the re-instated Senior Affordable Housing Committee; Town Clerk to advertise for public members for the second meeting in April.
On motion of Vice President Rodrigues, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 7:46 p.m.
__________________________
Wendy J.W. Marshall, CMC
Council Clerk
Supporting documentation is available at http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=Middletown-ri