City kicks off development‑code update; consultants outline 12–14 month plan and community engagement

Consultants from Gibbons Planning Group presented the kickoff for a comprehensive update to Middletown’s development code at the Sept. 2 council meeting, describing a 12–14 month project that will translate the city’s 2022 comprehensive plan into revised land‑use and development regulations. Michael Gibbons, a principal of the consulting firm, said the code update will modernize administrative procedures, zoning districts, and development standards and will aim to provide more flexibility for infill development. “We are the principals and co owners of Gibbons Planning Group,” he said, introducing the team and the project approach. Brent Gibbons outlined a six‑phase schedule that includes evaluation of existing regulations, stakeholder interviews, three study sessions with the Planning Commission, public workshops and a draft public review period. Consultants and staff tentatively scheduled a public workshop for Oct. 2 and study sessions for Nov. 19, January (2026) and April 2026, with a target for adoption in the fall of next year. Council members, including Horn, urged attention to “common sense density,” signage and downtown design while the code is drafted. The consultants said deliverables — including a change matrix, draft code in tracked changes, and a public landing page — will be posted for public review; council was asked to help identify local stakeholders for targeted outreach.