The Block Island Times: Church's affordable housing project funded

“It's an idea whose time has come.”

That's what Tony Pappas said about the four one-bedroom affordable rental apartments that will be built at the Harbor Church for a price tag of about $450,000 and be ready for occupancy in January of 2019. Pappas spoke with The Block Island Times about the project, his brainchild, after a public hearing before the Zoning Board of Review on Tuesday night.

In order for the apartments to qualify as affordable housing they must be granted a special use permit under the affordable housing provisions of the town's section 405 Zoning Ordinance. Pappas submitted his application for a special use permit to the Zoning Board on Nov. 15.

“The good news is that no one has voiced any negativity about this project,” said Pappas, who noted that the goal was “to help stabilize affordable rental housing for the year-round community.” Pappas said the project's $450,000 budget is being funded by donations and grants, including a $100,000 loan from the Roosa Fund of Block Island Ecumenical Ministries, a $150,000 grant, and two private donations.

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Courtesy of The Block Island Times