Community leaders propose innovative housing solutions amid crisis

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on a housing development project in West Warwick, highlighting both its potential benefits and ongoing challenges. The project, which includes a mix of multi-bedroom units and primarily one-bedroom apartments, aims to address the pressing housing crisis affecting the state.

Key features of the development include a steel building that houses fewer than ten multi-bedroom units, with one unit boasting a unique concrete deck and river view. The project is designed to prioritize local residents, ensuring that West Warwick citizens have the first opportunity to secure housing in the new development.

A significant aspect of the proposal is the inclusion of a community cafe, envisioned as a vibrant space for tenant and community events. This cafe is expected to enhance the area’s livability and foster community engagement. The developers expressed a desire to transform an existing building on the property into a multifunctional community space, complete with accessibility features.

However, the project faces challenges related to water management. Historical issues with flooding have plagued the site, particularly during heavy rainstorms when water runoff from a nearby hill overwhelms the existing drainage system. This has resulted in significant water accumulation in the low points of the property, leading to instances where units prepared for occupancy have been inundated with water. The developers are actively seeking solutions to mitigate these water issues to ensure the safety and habitability of the new units.

Overall, the meeting underscored the dual focus of the project: addressing the urgent need for housing while also creating a community-oriented environment, despite the hurdles posed by environmental factors.