E-News Archive

February 2, 2007

Over $20 million for housing in budget
Governor Carcieri released his proposed budget on Wednesday. The budget includes $7.5 million in the capital budget for the Neighborhood Opportunities Program and $300,000 for the supportive services pilot program. The budget also calls for $12.5 million in bonds to be appropriated for the first year of the $50 million bond approved by voters in November.

In his State of the State address, Governor Carcieri said he envisions "a Rhode Island that is encouraging increased housing with public and private incentives, so our citizens can aspire to a decent home for themselves and their families."

Stay tuned for more information on the HousingWorks RI legislative platform in the coming weeks.

Providence ranked worst in residential land use restrictions
Providence has the most restrictive residential land use restrictions of all major US metropolitan areas, according to a new study.

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania reviewed almost 2,700 cities and towns across the country and found that the Providence metropolitan area is more than 1.5 times more heavily regulated than the average place in the US. Rhode Island ranks as the second most intensely regulated state.

Read the study.

New report on status of local affordable housing plans
The Housing Resources Commission (HRC) has released its first annual report on the implementation of the 29 local affordable housing plans. The report includes a one-page summary of each community's progress.

Implementation has been slow, with only 8 communities reporting creation of affordable homes over the past year (123 units in total). But the report notes that almost 1,500 affordable units are pending in 25 communities. The HRC also points to heightened awareness and changed perceptions about affordable homes. Among the highlights: Burrillville created 53 affordable homes in 2006!

Read the report.

Reminder: Upcoming hearings on bond regs
The Housing Resources Commission is holding two public hearings on its proposed regulations for the bond program, now called Building Homes Rhode Island. The hearings will be held on February 8 at 12 noon and 6:00 p.m. at the Cranston Public Library at 140 Sockanossett Cross Road.
 
Read the notice and proposed regulations online.