Affordable Housing for Middletown

Middletown affordable housing has become a major policy issue in Middletown, as rising home prices, rents, and limited developable land have made it increasingly difficult for working families, young adults, seniors, and local employees to find housing they can afford. 

Current Situation

• Middletown is below Rhode Island’s goal of having 10% of its housing stock classified as affordable. Recent reports indicate the town has around 6% affordable housing, creating pressure to add new deed-restricted affordable units.

• High housing costs affect many residents:

  • Approximately 32% of homeowners are considered cost burdened.

  • More than 40% of renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend a high percentage of their income on housing.

  • The town’s housing stock is largely single-family homes, while rental options remain limited.

• Second homes and rentals also account for a notable share of available housing.

Turning Point: 2020-2022

A significant shift occurred when the Town Council and the Affordable Housing Committee began actively pursuing town-led housing developments rather than relying solely on private developers.

In April 2022, the Town Council unanimously voted to move forward with master planning for affordable housing projects at the former Oliphant School and Peckham School sites. At that meeting, Council members described the projects as the next major step in addressing the housing shortage, only to be vote down and tabled (5-2 vote).

The conversation around affordable housing should have been a top priority back in the 1990s to stay ahead of growing demand and limited housing inventory, helping keep prices stable and accessible for lower and middle-income families. In 2016, I proposed the creation of the Senior Affordable Housing Committee at a time when housing was not a major focus. I worked to get the process started despite significant resistance from both the Town Council and Town administration, I think it was more because it was my idea.

At times, it felt as though town leaders said they supported affordable housing, but their actions suggested otherwise. I initially found that hard to believe, but when you look back over the past several decades, it certainly raises questions about whether enough was done soon enough to address the challenge.

Re-elect me, and I will continue to champion housing initiatives and pursue practical solutions that help lower and middle-income residents of all ages to remain in Middletown, age in place, and continue to be part of the community they call home.