WESTERLY — Westerly has made some progress in adding low- and moderate-income housing over the past year, but falls short of meeting goals set by the state, according to data included in a new housing needs assessment. still has a long way to go.
This data will eventually become part of a townwide housing study produced by Camoin Associates and funded by a grant from Rhode Island Housing.
“The completion of that project and the development of a new strategic housing plan are on schedule,” City Planner Nancy Letendre told the Planning Commission on Tuesday. The completed plan is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Prime Minister Camoin will hold a public workshop on housing strategies and production plans with a focus on affordable housing on April 23 at 6 p.m.
Letendre said he provided the Planning Commission with an update on what has been accomplished so far and the most interesting information as the process progresses.
Westerly, like other communities in Rhode Island, is working to meet the state's stated goal of making 10% of its housing stock affordable to low- and moderate-income residents.
By law, housing is considered affordable if the monthly housing cost is less than 30% of household income. This includes mortgage principal and interest, taxes, condo fees or rent and utilities, and insurance.
In contrast, housing production for low- and moderate-income households is subsidized. Sold and supervised by a Rhode Island licensed housing agency and restricted by deed, lease. Renters are typically people who earn less than 80% of the area median income. Homeowners who earn less than 120% of her area median income are eligible. Such units are the only type that meet the state's requirement of 10% LMI housing in the community.
“Now, not only is there a requirement, but recent changes to the general law require all communities to have a strategic plan for LMI housing development,” Letendre said. “So we are working in that direction with the help of consultants to meet that need.”
Westerly's current plan has been approved but is becoming outdated and needs improvements, city planners said. Other communities are in various stages of completing plans or have no plans at all, she said.
In December 2022, RI Housing reported that Westerly had 533 eligible affordable housing units, which is 4.87% of the town's 10,949 year-round units.
Rutendre said the town's growth over the past year has increased the number of eligible homes to a total of 540. This corresponds to 4.9% of the annual unit count of 10,994 units.
The town also has projects underway that have approved but not yet completed low- and moderate-income housing components. These include 54 low-moderate income units at South Point Commons and 13 his LMI units as part of the trendsetter multifamily redevelopment of the former St. Pius X School building.
“We have 70 LMI rental units that will be built soon,” Rutendre said.
Final plans for South Point Commons are expected to be approved soon, and construction could begin by the end of this year. Several variables determine when a project is completed.
“Construction costs have really gone up,” Rutendre said.
In terms of upcoming or ongoing blanket permit proposals, Letendre said the town has several properties, totaling 14 LMI rental units and 32 owned units. These include the housing proposed above the former Misery's Furniture store downtown and 22 family units planned by Habitat for Humanity off Robin Hollow Lane.
Tuesday's presentation also came as the Planning Commission recognized April as National Fair Housing Month. The act defines the Town of Westerly's land use policy as “an open, inclusive, fair housing and non-profit organization with the purpose of providing or advocating for integration and equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents.” and to promote appropriate activities by public organizations.” Western style. ”