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Residents urge council to revisit housing choices as rents rise and younger families leave
Summary
During the public forum, residents urged the council to reconsider a previously defeated housing proposal and highlighted rising rents and the need for more affordable housing for working residents and seniors. A councilor outlined parliamentary options to renew or reconsider past motions.
Two town residents used the public comment period on Wednesday to press the Town Council on housing affordability and the reuse of vacant school buildings for affordable housing.
Lawrence Frank, citing HousingWorks Rhode Island data he handed the council, said rent increases are squeezing Middletown workers and families. He said the average monthly rent for a two‑bedroom rose from $1,977 in 2023 to $2,179 in 2024 and argued that a large share of Middletown’s workforce earns under $50,000 a year. “That 5,500…
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