Planning Committee Discusses Affordable Housing Percentages for Coventry Center Development

High Costs and Affordable Housing Standards Spark Debate at Coventry Planning Commission Meeting

During the recent Planning Commission meeting in Coventry, Rhode Island, discussions heated up around the rising costs of development and the standards for affordable housing. A key point of contention was the proposed 18% affordable housing requirement, which some members argued was too high given the current economic climate.

One participant expressed concern over the financial feasibility of the project, stating, "Our site costs are coming in high... every dollar counts." They suggested that a 15% benchmark for affordable housing would be more reasonable for the community, emphasizing that 18% could be a heavy burden.

The conversation shifted to the distribution of affordable housing across different sites. A proposal was made to maintain the 18% requirement but to allocate it differently between Coventry Center and another site, Center of New England. However, this idea faced skepticism due to the complexities involved in managing multiple authorities and consent agreements tied to different projects.

The Planning Commission acknowledged the challenges of balancing affordable housing needs with the realities of development costs. As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding a solution that meets community standards while ensuring project viability. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact future developments in Coventry.