Church housing discussions are heating up in Little Compton, with town officials exploring the feasibility of converting existing municipal buildings into residential units. During a recent Town Council meeting, council members shared insights from ongoing conversations with Church Community Housing, led by Executive Director Christian Bethel.

Victoria, a council member, reported that discussions have focused on the potential impact on local septic and water systems. A detailed report from Bill Smith indicated that the current systems could handle the proposed changes without exceeding capacity. The existing septic system, designed for a much larger student population, currently operates at only 1,200 to 1,500 gallons per day, well below its 7,500-gallon capacity.

The council is in the early stages of assessing community interest and the practicality of the project. They are considering a memorandum of understanding with Church Community Housing and plan to establish a community advisory committee to involve stakeholders in the planning process. This committee would work closely with architects and engineers to ensure the project meets local needs.

Importantly, the initiative is designed to avoid placing a financial burden on Little Compton taxpayers, as Church Community Housing would cover most costs associated with the project, including necessary safety upgrades.

As discussions progress, the council emphasizes the importance of community input in deciding whether to move forward with this housing option. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly shape the town's approach to addressing housing needs in the future.