Council interviews developer Steven DeSimone for Narragansett planning board; backs ADUs and density incentives

Mr. Steven DeSimone, an applicant for a seat on the Town of Narragansett planning board, told the Town Council on March 3 that he has decades of experience in construction and development and supports using accessory dwelling units and density incentives to expand affordable housing.

DeSimone said he has worked in construction roles including framing, siding, roofing, excavation and septic installation and has also worked as a real estate agent. "Absolutely. So I'm Steven Desimone. I live on Sunset Boulevard at 86 Sunset Boulevard," he told the council, noting his family moved to Narragansett full time about 36 years ago and that he graduated from Narragansett High School in 2003.

The interview focused on housing policy, planning board roles and DeSimone's experience. Councilor Vignali asked about recently enacted state laws intended to promote affordable housing through changes to planning and zoning; DeSimone said he is "strongly in favor of the ADUs," arguing they can help keep multigenerational families in town and attract younger households. He described the state's comprehensive permit framework and said a 25% minimum affordable-unit threshold tied to a density bonus can make such projects financially feasible: "When you build affordable housing and you have a price restriction, what ends up happening is the price restriction is less than the cost of building those units ... So the density bonus allows for the increase of market rate units to offset the losses of the affordable units." He referenced the Narragansett Housing Authority as an example of a local monitoring body.

On local procedure questions from Councilor Durkin about setback relief and the streamlined review process, DeSimone said he was not fully familiar with the specific, recently announced state-setback relaxations but described the general trend toward shortening review steps: "Instead of it used to be you go to the planning board, then the Zoning Board, then the Planning Board ... Now, it's streamlined into 3 Planning Board meetings and generally a technical review as well." He added he generally tries to work within town setback rules and would look into the precise changes.

DeSimone described his planning philosophy as following the town's comprehensive plan and complying with state and federal law to avoid litigation. He told the council he has worked in several neighboring towns, including South Kingstown and Charlestown, and on developments in Westerly; he said he has not performed development work in Narragansett and would recuse himself if a conflict arose: "I certainly will recuse myself if that's what's required." He also said he is available on Tuesdays for meetings.

Councilors asked about balancing development with protecting green space and neighborhood character. DeSimone said protecting natural resources and views matters but that the town must balance those priorities with creating housing stock: "If you want affordable housing, you're gonna have to approve development," he said, adding that being "in line" with state law generally allows more development and can help reduce prices by increasing supply.

Councilors and staff confirmed two other invited applicants, Jerry Bernardo and Melissa Collatides, had accepted interview invitations but were not present at the start of the work session. With those applicants absent the council took a motion to adjourn; a voice vote was recorded as "Aye." No vote on appointments took place at the March 3 work session.

The interview materials and DeSimone's answers will remain part of the record for any future appointment discussion by the council.