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Mayor proposes America250 planning committee; council raises budget questions and timing
Summary
Mayor/meeting chair proposed forming a committee and exploratory subcommittee to plan Middletown's participation in America's 250th (July 2026), including possible lighting of the Portland Bridge; council members requested fiscal guidelines and timing details for a September proposal.
During the mayor's report the chair announced plans to form a committee and an exploratory subcommittee to coordinate Middletown's participation in the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations (America250) in July 2026, including consideration of lighting the Portland Bridge and staging a multi-town parade similar to events held in the 1976 bicentennial.
"Next month, I'll be proposing a committee to do the planning, for your approval," the chair said, adding that an exploratory group would examine funding options for lighting the Portland Bridge from public and private sources.
Councilmembers raised fiscal and scheduling concerns. Councilman Laffredo asked whether staff could provide guidelines and an estimate of likely city costs; the chair said details and proposed parameters will be presented at the council's September meeting. Staff and the historian (Deb Shapiro) were identified as resources to assist planning.
Separately, Councilman Magnifico and others reported progress on the Russell Library and city-hall feasibility study; the board hopes to go to referendum in 2026 for the library project and will coordinate on timing with other events.
What happens next: Mayor's office will prepare a committee proposal and financial parameters for review in September; an exploratory committee will focus on the Portland Bridge lighting and report back to the council.
