Lower Aquidneck Avenue Improvements - City of Middletown

The Town Council on Monday considered adopting a funding mechanism, called tax increment financing, to pay for the burying of utility lines along lower Aquidneck Avenue. The panel conducted a first reading and public hearing for an ordinance that would create the Atlantic Beach Tax Increment Financing District. The public hearing is scheduled to be continued at the council's next meeting Nov. 5, when it can formally adopt the ordinance. For years, the town has mulled ways to improve the infrastructure along lower Aquidneck, a bustling destination boasting restaurants, shops, hotels and proximity to Easton's Beach. A master plan for the district calls for new streetlights, sidewalks and other amenities. The town is hopeful the state will slot the streetscape work within its Transportation Improvement Plan and fund that portion. The TIF mechanism is eyed as the way forward to bury the utility lines for electricity, telephone and cable television/internet, plus connect those services to private properties. The work is estimated to cost just over $5 million, according to the town. Firmer cost projections will be established once a town consultant completes the design for the project. As of October 18, 2018, this project is in the early planning phase pending further approvals and funding. An architect has not been selected. Although a firm timeline for construction has not been determined, construction is not expected to begin before May 2019. *Project information, including timeline and contacts, has been obtained through public sources. The content management team continues to pursue additional details; however, the contact(s) listed have yet to disclose or confirm any information. Inquiries should be directed to the contact(s) listed.

Division 32 -	Exterior Improvements, Operation and Maintenance of Exterior Improvements.
Division 34 -	Transportation, Operation and Maintenance of Transportation.