The South Kingstown Town Council convened on November 26, 2024, to discuss various community initiatives, with a significant focus on affordable housing projects. Colin Penny, the executive director of South County Habitat for Humanity, addressed the council, highlighting ongoing and upcoming housing developments in the region.

Penny began by sharing updates on a 22-house subdivision in Westerly, which is nearing completion of its comprehensive permit. He emphasized the importance of this project in providing affordable housing options. Additionally, he mentioned a 7-house subdivision in Hopkinton that is set to be completed in about a month and a half, showcasing it as a successful example of affordable housing.

Penny also brought attention to a recently passed housing bond, which allocates $20 million for affordable housing initiatives. He expressed concern that the available funds might be quickly depleted, citing a previous instance where requests for affordable housing projects far exceeded the available budget. He urged the council to act swiftly in exploring opportunities for town-owned properties, including schools, to ensure that South Kingstown does not miss out on these vital resources.

He offered his expertise and assistance to the council in navigating the process of utilizing these funds for various housing projects, whether for homeownership, mixed-use developments, or rental properties. Penny concluded by inviting council members to reach out for further discussions on these initiatives.

Following Penny's remarks, the council moved on to the next agenda item, which involved a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the town code, specifically Chapter 2 on administration. This transition marked a shift from the focus on housing to administrative matters, indicating the council's commitment to addressing multiple facets of community governance in the meeting.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of advancing affordable housing projects in South Kingstown, while also addressing administrative updates crucial for the town's governance.