Now that the former Benny’s in Middletown no longer is serving as a state-run COVID-19 vaccination hub or testing site, what will it be? That’s anyone’s guess right now.

Two signs currently greet visitors at the 1400 West Main Road location: One informs visitors COVID testing no longer is taking place inside, and the other says in capital letters “AVAILABLE FOR LEASE.”

Johnston-based developer Carpionato Group, which also bought the former Newport Grand property with grand plans of its own, gobbled up 29 of the 31 Benny’s locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

In 2019, it was announced three of them — in Warwick, South Kingstown and Cranston — would become locations for another well-known retailer: Ocean State Job Lot. And the one in Mansfield, Massachusetts, was sold to Dollar General.

Here in Middletown, there were plans for a BayCoast Bank on the site at one time and murmurs of a gym replacing the department store. But with new “For Lease” signs up, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Here are some ideas that would satisfy a need on Aquidneck Island:

There is Launch in Warwick and Get Air in Swansea, Massachusetts, though those are both at least a 25-minute drive. The old Benny’s would be a perfect spot for a trampoline park, with ample parking, and, like the other two, it would be situated along a commercial strip.

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The locally-owned supermarket has 10 locations in the state, but none in Newport County. The closest one is in the North Kingstown village of Wickford and few will cross a bridge to get there. If a national chain were going to fill the former Benny’s, a Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s could satisfy the need.  

Swimming is one of those activities that keep you young. It combines calorie-burning cardio with muscle building. Problem is, there are a limited amount of places to swim. There is the Newport County YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, but the hours are limited. An expansive place with multiple pools set up indoors (for year-round swimming) would be ideal.

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It’s been more than a decade since the Hi-Way Bowl bowling alley in Middletown closed its doors, and even longer since Aquidneck Lanes saw its last strike. The closest alleys to the area are Dudek Lanes in Warren and Wickford Lanes in North Kingstown. When it rains, or even when it’s far too hot to be outside, a bowling alley is the perfect spot for family fun.

Newport County is home to some great restaurants, from fine dining to family friendly. But sometimes you just want to hit up a chain. We have a Chili’s and an Applebee’s, but how about an Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, Cracker Barrel or Cheesecake Factory? Or even a Dave & Busters to give the little ones something to do on a Friday or Saturday night.

Longplex in Tiverton has been a fantastic addition to the area, with room for basketball, lacrosse, soccer, roller hockey and other sports. But it’s always packed there. So why not open another that is closer for people who live on Aquidneck Island? Parking there would be a breeze.

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During a recent municipal meeting, Middletown Town Council member Dennis Turano said, “We have an affordable housing issue. Our goal is to address the need in Middletown.”

According to the tax assessor’s office, the main building that houses Benny’s has a square footage of 26,000. If made a couple of stories tall, that certainly would address the need.

Drive-through car washes are a dime a dozen on Aquidneck Island, but what about those who want to get out and do the work themselves? A self-service car wash with a dozen or so bays would be a big hit and keep your ride looking fresh. 

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Since the loss of the Newport Yachting Center — now the Hammetts Hotel — there really is no place to host larger concerts, comedy shows and other acts. This could be an ideal spot for a small, covered amphitheater or stage.

There is a McDonald’s across the street, but not one with a PlayPlace. The fast-food giant could move its operation some 300 feet to the west and construct a massive PlayPlace that could also host birthday parties and other events.

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Music enthusiasts who live around here need to go to Warwick — and fight the traffic on Bald Hill Road — or Attleboro, Massachusetts, to get all the gear they need for a gig or practice session. Newport Music opened last year on Bellevue Avenue, but the options there are limited. A Guitar Center would provided everything a rock star could want.