Housing Works RI tells Narragansett council town faces steep affordability gap; ADU debate draws public concern

Housing Works Rhode Island presented findings to the Narragansett Town Council on June 16 showing a steep affordability gap in town and broad interest in small-scale housing solutions such as accessory dwelling units, while several residents urged caution and called for additional procedural review of proposed zoning changes.

The presentation was delivered by Annette Bourne, research and policy director for Housing Works Rhode Island. “The 2024 median priced home in Narragansett is now $875,000,” Bourne said, adding that that price implies a household income of roughly $266,000 to buy with a 30% housing cost burden. The group’s townwide survey drew 775 responses, about 5% of the town’s population, and found that a large share of respondents are long‑term homeowners and that many two‑person households live in larger, three‑ or four‑bedroom houses.

Why it matters: The report frames a familiar challenge for resort and coastal communities — high home prices, seasonal rental markets and a shrinking year‑round population of young and moderate‑income households. The council is weighing zoning and regulatory changes, including ADU rules, sewer capacity and other policies that could affect whether new housing is built and who it will serve.

Bourne and her team set out their process and findings. They said local work began in late 2023 and included focus groups, a town website, a 775‑response survey and workshops that mapped areas residents saw as suitable for change, caution or preservation. Bourne said many respondents would consider creating an ADU, and that among those open to ADUs “about 58% would prefer [the ADU] be for family or friends,” while fewer said they would rent to low‑income community members.

Public comments at the meeting emphasized skepticism that increased density automatically produces affordability. Resident Joseph Francina said the town’s rental market — and the income potential from short‑term and student rentals — would limit the effect of adding housing supply. “I don’t see how they can ever go down because of just the nature of this town,” Francina said.

Several residents asked the council to return proposed ADU and other zoning changes to the planning board for further review. Carl Ballenstein, a resident, argued the ADU package contained procedural and substantive flaws and urged recusal for a council member he said had a conflict of interest. Jill Lawler and other speakers also pressed the council to follow prior procedural practice and to address parking, enforcement and the market forces that favor investors and short‑term rentals over year‑round households.

Council and staff responses. Town solicitor James Callahan and council members described the ordinance process and noted the planning board had sent its recommendations to the council. Callahan said the council is the legislative body and can make changes; he also acknowledged amendments remain possible after adoption. Councilors and staff repeatedly separated public comment (open forum) from the formal public‑hearing record for ordinance votes.

Next steps. The council approved a second reading of a separate zoning text amendment (see Votes at a glance) to comply with 2024 state statute changes. Separately the council scheduled a workshop with the planning board and staff to discuss potential amendments tied to dimensional modifications passed on Dec. 18, 2023, and to consider clarifying occupancy limits (one person per bedroom and the five‑unrelated limit). Several residents and council members asked the council to return ADU changes to the planning board before final action; the council agreed to continue related review and to refer a proposed parking restriction for the Boone Street playground to the parking subcommittee.

Ending note: Housing Works’ report, the public survey and the workshop materials will be posted on the town website; Bourne told the council the documents would be made available after the meeting. Bourne said the RFP that funded the work had included public engagement and education and that the team sought to present options for protecting neighborhood character while addressing affordability.