Middletown council appoints Steve Butler to planning board after extended interview

The Town of Middletown Town Council voted to appoint Steve Butler to the planning board on a voice/hand vote after conducting an interview with applicant Steven Hutler.

The interview preceded the appointment. Steven Hutler described himself as a Middletown native, a retired lawyer with international practice and prior service on Middletown’s Zoning Board of Review. Hutler told councilors he would bring legal and real-estate experience to the planning board and said his priorities include protecting the town’s natural resources while creating more year‑round housing. He said he would like to see “500 more units of year‑round housing” within five years and spoke at length about the Middletown Center site, the new library site, and the recent Hoogendorn acquisition.

Why it matters: The planning board’s responsibilities have broadened under recent Rhode Island law and the board will play a central role on major upcoming projects including the Middletown Center and local school development. Appointments shape how the town evaluates development plans, zoning overlays and long‑range projects.

During deliberations, several councilors — including Vice President Barbara Villas — praised Hutler’s experience and character but argued for retaining institutional knowledge by reappointing existing planning board member Art Weber, who has nearly 20 years of service. Vice President Villas made a motion to nominate Weber. Another councilor nominated Steve Butler. Councilors spoke on the record about their reasons for supporting one candidate over the other; the council then took separate raised‑hand votes for each nominee and selected Butler.

Action: The council’s vote made Steve Butler the appointee to the planning board for the seat with a term expiring in February 2028. The minutes record that nominations were made and that the council voted by roll/hand; an exact roll‑call tally was not announced in the meeting transcript.

Discussion versus decision: The meeting contained both (1) an extended interview and broader candidate discussion and (2) a formal appointment vote. Councilors emphasized respect for applicants and the need for institutional knowledge when considering incumbents.

Looking ahead: Councilors encouraged Hutler to remain engaged with town boards, noting his zoning board service, and said the council expects the new planning board member to help guide the Middletown Center and school projects that will come before the board.