MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (AP) - The U.S. Navy is set to turn over the site of a former Navy Lodge to the town of Middletown.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed’s office says that Navy officials are scheduled to travel to Rhode Island next week to sign the paperwork for the $1.3 million deal.
The Navy is selling the 3.25-acre site after declaring it surplus property. It sits next to a larger, town-owned parcel, and the town council has discussed redeveloping the combined site into a mixed residential-commercial development.
Reed, a Democrat, says the sale is a smart, cost-effective move for the Navy and taxpayers.
Council President Robert Sylvia calls it one of the most important acquisitions the town has ever made and says it has the potential to be a long-term economic catalyst.
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