EG council receives affordable housing commission report

The East Greenwich town council at their Dec. 11 meeting accepted the town’s Affordable Housing Commission’s 2023 report, which updates the work of the commission since 2022.

On the town front, the commission was active in the hearings for the 410unit housing development that was planned for Division Street, which was denied by the town planning board, a ruling that was recently overturned by the state’s superior court. The developer has yet to resubmit a new application and the town has yet to file an appeal with the court.

The commission also reported on the recent groundbreaking on Frenchtown Road for a new housing project of which some of the units will be set aside for those meeting the income guide limits for low-and-moderate housing.

In addition, the commission reported that in the state legislature there are 14 bills “aimed at increasing the number of housing units in the state.

All but one of the bills focused on zoning, which the town council is currently working on making part of the town’s housing ordinance.

“The state has also improved definitions related to density bonuses, and streamline approval procedures, the commission wrote in its report.

The legislature has also replaced the state housing appeals board with a new housing court, that according to the town commission is “designed to expedite cases, and provide expert housing-related guidance.”

Additionally, the new state housing court has expanded its workforce to better developer a comprehensive state housing policy.”

A report will soon be forthcoming from the state house that will look at the needs of each community by looking at homelessness, family size and other relevant factors,” Commission members wrote.

“This report,” according to the town commission will also look at the financial resources required to support affordable housing rents,” which having been increasing to the point that many people looking to rent an apartment or house cannot afford them.

During the last legislate session, the sate allocated $101.5 million for towns, for housing which will also be us to “remove barriers to housing production, and address homelessness in the state.”

There are a number of state initiatives to help town increase affordable housing, and the commission, “urges the East Greenwich planning staff to explore these available resources. It is important to emphasize that the state is progressing in its commitment to affordable housing and expects every community, including East Greenwich, to actively support this vital cause.”