Middletown Town Council To Vote On 2021 Beach Access Next Month

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Middletown Town Council will vote on recommendations regarding summer 2021 beach access by February 15, according to a pledge made at Thursday's virtual town council meeting.

Town Administrator Shawn Brown, along with town staff and the Beach Commission, released an initial proposal on Jan. 4 that outlined recommendations for the 2021 beach season, which they said was met with positive feedback.

At Thursday's meeting, Brown was asked to report back to the council on Feb.1 with his final recommendations.

The goals for this year, which echo decisions made last summer, include prioritizing resident access, creating "resident only" areas, and continuing COVID-19 safety protocols.

“We’re all rowing in the same direction and we all have the same desires,” council President Robert Sylvia said in a news release. “I think the most important desire is that this is a Middletown beach, we try to make it as Middletown friendly as possible. This is our residents’ beach. This isn’t a commercial beach. This isn’t Six Flags. This isn’t someplace like Coney Island, where we’re bringing people in, where we’re soliciting people to come in. This is a family beach and I think last year proved it out."

This would be the second year in a row that Middletown prioritizes resident access to its beaches due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last summer, the town did not have a day parking rate, only seasonal passes, and reduced the number of people allowed on the beaches. Certain areas were also designated "residents only" to maintain social distancing.

The town said last years efforts were "applauded" by residents, who were given preference for parking and "finally had their beaches back".