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Letter: Please support affordable housing in Barrington

Council approves housing downpayment assistance program

SWAP Inc. completes affordable homes in Barrington

Homeless people tenting in Barrington didn't want to risk staying at a shelter

U.S. Congressman David Cicilline said it will strengthen the community. He said it will make Barrington better. And he said it will be crucial for social cohesion in this town.

Three new buildings, including six apartment units, will be built at the Sweetbriar affordable housing development on Washington Road this summer.

Work is expected to begin this summer on the Palmer Pointe affordable housing development in Barrington, first proposed in 2012. Last week, Rhode Island Housing’s Board of Commissioners approved a financing package for the $13.8 million project, which includes 40 rentals at the main site, a riverfront parcel of about 9 acres off Sowams Road, and 6 new units at Sweetbriar, an existing development on the west side of Barrington.

They’re sometimes known as “in-law apartments” or “granny flats.” But Rhode Island law gives them a more formal name: accessory dwelling units. On Jan. 1, 2017, a change in state law went into effect, allowing owner-occupants of single-family homes to build these units by right for senior relatives ages 62 or older. Previously they were allowed by right only for disabled family members. Since the law changed, some residents have made inquiries about accessory dwelling units, according to local building and zoning officials. But only a small number have apparently gone ahead with plans to build them.

Steve Primiano is worried about the schools. More specifically, the Barrington Town Council member is concerned about how Barrington’s public schools will be impacted by the new Palmer Pointe affordable housing project if the town decides to extend the development a significant tax break.

Bill Bentley is helping people, and he is helping the town. The administrator the Spencer Trust has, for the last seven months, been helping people locate the services and finances to improve their lives. For some people, it’s a no-interest loan for home improvements. For others, it’s a grant to build a new walkway in their yard.