Jamestown Press: Housing plan hearing set to continue

Controversial Narragansett Avenue project includes affordable units

By ohtadmin | on July 03, 2019

BY TIM RIEL

Emotions continue to run high as the debate about a proposed housing development on Narragansett Avenue has reached eight hours of testimony — with more to come.

“I have a knot in my stomach, and it's not about public speaking,” Mount Hope Avenue's Jane Bentley said. “This will change the island. This will change Narragansett Avenue.”

Bentley, a resident since 1947, spoke during the June 19 meeting of the planning commission. It was a continuation of a public hearing that surfaced in January to redevelop 70 and 78 Narragansett Ave. into a single 1.1-acre lot. Despite the pleas from neighbors, Chairman Mike Swistak said the committee's decision is bound by state law because it involves affordable housing. The hearing was continued until July 17.