In a recent meeting of the New Shoreham Block Island Housing Board, members discussed the pressing challenges surrounding affordable housing in the community. The conversation highlighted the significant gap between housing costs and available funding, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to address these issues.

One of the primary concerns raised was the unusually high gap in funding for housing projects, attributed to escalating land and construction costs. Board members stressed the importance of exploring various funding sources and implementing "stacking strategies" to reduce this gap. This approach involves combining different funding mechanisms to make housing projects more financially viable. Increasing density in housing developments was identified as a crucial tactic to spread land costs more effectively, thereby making projects more affordable.

Elizabeth, a board member with experience in community land trusts, contributed insights on this model. While community land trusts can be beneficial, she cautioned that they are not a panacea for the high costs associated with land and development. She referenced successful initiatives in Massachusetts, where community land trusts are advocating for increased funding sources. This collaborative approach could serve as a model for New Shoreham, encouraging partnerships with other Rhode Island communities facing similar housing challenges.

The discussion underscored the necessity for New Shoreham to identify and connect with other municipalities, such as Jamestown and Newport, to form a legislative coalition. By uniting their voices, these communities can better advocate for solutions to the housing crisis at the state level.

As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the urgency of reevaluating current housing projects, particularly the West Side Road initiative, which is currently unfunded. The need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts remains critical as New Shoreham seeks to navigate the complexities of affordable housing in the region. The board's next steps will likely involve further exploration of funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to address these ongoing challenges.