New Shoreham discusses partnership with Church Community Housing for affordable housing solutions

The New Shoreham Planning Board is taking significant steps towards enhancing affordable housing options on Block Island, following a productive meeting on December 11, 2024. Board members discussed the potential collaboration with Church Community Housing, a well-regarded organization known for its successful community development initiatives in Newport and beyond.

During the meeting, a former city planner highlighted the expertise of Church Community Housing's leadership, encouraging the board to engage with them for insights and best practices that could be applied to Block Island. The board expressed interest in developing a closer relationship with the organization, recognizing its high standards in affordable housing.

The discussion also focused on refining a menu of options for affordable housing initiatives. Board members emphasized the importance of feedback from the affordable housing board to identify which strategies would be most beneficial for the community. They plan to compile a list of priorities for further exploration, aiming to streamline efforts and ensure impactful outcomes.

In addition, the board considered the idea of holding a work session, similar to previous committees, to facilitate more in-depth discussions among council, planning board, and affordable housing board members. This approach aims to foster collaboration and generate actionable solutions more efficiently.

Looking ahead, the board is set to reconvene on January 17, 2025, where they will review the affordable housing board's recommendations and continue their efforts to address the community's housing needs. The proactive steps taken during this meeting signal a commitment to improving housing accessibility and quality for residents of New Shoreham.