July 15, 2005
Affordable housing plans certified in 11 communities -- September 30th deadline for remaining communities
Demonstrating their commitment to building affordable homes in their communities, 11 cities and towns have secured certification of their affordable housing plans: Burrillville, Cumberland, Lincoln, Little Compton, Middletown, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, North Smithfield, Portsmouth, Smithfield and Westerly. Bristol, Johnston, and South Kingstown are close behind, awaiting final certification. All of the plans will be certified by September 30. To view the plan for your community, click here.
Neighborhood Opportunities Program money builds new veterans housing in West Warwick
Just after committing to sign the HousingWorks sponsored increase in funding for the Neighborhood Opportunities Program, Governor Carcieri participated in a ribbon cutting for a new development supported in part by those funds. The project refurbished a 19th century home into eight new and affordable apartments for former soldiers, sailors and airmen in West Warwick.
A good thing, too, given Rhode Island Housing’s recently released 2004 rental survey. The survey found that the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island increased 9.7 percent to $1,121 compared to 2003.
Shawcross named head of new state housing office
Noreen Shawcross, former executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless and a steadfast advocate for affordable housing in Rhode Island, will start later this month as Chief of the state’s new Office of Housing and Community Development. The Office is the centerpiece of Governor Carcieri’s efforts to address the housing crisis through administrative reform. Congratulations to the Governor and his staff for making this excellent hire.
Neighbor state Connecticut also boasts big success in affordable housing efforts
This summer, Connecticut established a $100 million Housing Trust Fund to expand affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income residents. The money will be directed toward the rehabilitation, preservation and production of quality, well-designed housing. The additional state investment will leverage private dollars and will encourage greater involvement from private developers. In addition to production dollars, the Trust Fund may also provide no or low interest loans, grants, and gap financing to make rents or home prices affordable to families. In other Connecticut housing news, the state also increased by $1.8 million its rental assistance program. The money is expected to generate an additional 500 housing units to address Connecticut’s housing needs.
