Sweetberry Farm application continued to July 15; board sets filing expectations

The Town of Middletown Planning Board continued the Sweetberry Farm application to a special meeting on July 15 at Godet Middle School, citing expectations of a large public turnout and the need for adequate review time for legal memoranda.

Board members and the applicant’s attorney discussed a timeline: objectors had indicated they would file memoranda by May 7 but did not; they now expect to file by July 1. The board requested objectors submit their materials earlier when possible — by June 20 — and asked that the applicant provide responses to Mr. Monti by July 13. The solicitor’s office noted the board cannot force opposing attorneys to file by a particular date but said the solicitor’s office could review filings quickly and advise the board at the July 15 meeting if materials were received by July 13.

One board member announced a recusal from the matter pursuant to a Rhode Island Ethics Commission ruling and the board acknowledged that recusal. The continuance was made contingent on adequate time for review: if material arrives on short notice the board will determine whether to reschedule.

The board directed staff and the solicitor’s office to communicate the requested deadlines to objectors’ attorneys, to confirm the special meeting logistics (venue/AV) and to post notice of the July 15 special meeting.