Westerly Council considers new housing committee for senior and affordable housing

During the recent Westerly Town Council meeting held on February 10, 2025, discussions centered around the establishment of a new housing committee aimed at addressing the pressing issues of senior housing and affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents. The proposal to create this committee is seen as a crucial step in tackling the growing demand for affordable housing in the community.

Council members debated the necessity of forming a new committee, especially in light of a previously disbanded housing committee. Councilor Vandover expressed concerns about moving forward without first reviewing the insights and recommendations from the former committee, suggesting that valuable ideas might already exist that could inform current efforts. This sentiment highlighted a desire for continuity and collaboration rather than redundancy in addressing housing needs.

Councilor Healy provided clarity on the committee's intended role, emphasizing that it would not be responsible for building houses but rather for aligning local housing strategies with state regulations and the town's comprehensive plan. He outlined several key deliverables for the committee, including revising zoning ordinances to facilitate the development of affordable housing, creating a centralized database for low and moderate-income housing, and fostering partnerships with local organizations to enhance oversight and community engagement.

The discussion also touched on the need for municipal tax incentives to encourage property owners to rehabilitate buildings for affordable housing. This approach aims to integrate affordable housing strategies into broader neighborhood revitalization efforts, addressing the needs of renters who make up a significant portion of the low and moderate-income demographic in Westerly.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing housing challenges in Westerly. The proposed housing committee represents a proactive step towards creating a structured approach to affordable housing, with the potential to significantly impact the community's housing landscape. As the council prepares to vote on the committee's formation in a future meeting, the discussions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of affordable housing solutions in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.