Council asks state delegation to seek authority for local homestead exemption to help year‑round residents

The Charlestown Town Council on April 14 authorized the council president and town clerk to ask the town’s state delegation (Senators and Representative) to submit legislation granting Charlestown the authority to adopt a local homestead exemption ordinance if the General Assembly approves such an enabling law.

Councilor Kearney presented the request as a first step: the council is not adopting a homestead exemption ordinance now but is asking the Legislature for enabling authority so the town could design and implement a program later. The council reviewed South Kingstown’s recently approved enabling legislation (included in council backup) and agreed the town could tailor an ordinance to local needs if the state grants the authority.

Councilors cited the desire to help year‑round Charlestown residents and families who sustain town life outside the summer season, noting out‑of‑state purchasers and increased short‑term rentals have strained long‑term housing availability. The motion authorizes the town clerk to send correspondence and requests the delegation introduce a Charlestown‑specific enabling bill modeled on South Kingstown’s language.

The motion passed unanimously (5–0). If the General Assembly approves such enabling legislation, the council will return to the public process to draft and adopt a local ordinance with details such as eligibility, exemption size and administrative rules.