South Kingstown Council Endorses Redevelopment Plan to Replace Dilapidated Champaign Heights and Fournier Units

The South Kingstown Town Council voted Dec. 9 to endorse the South Kingstown Housing Authority's application to Rhode Island Housing seeking tax-credit financing to replace aging housing at Champaign Heights and Fournier with an 85-unit development. The endorsement instructs staff to prepare a letter supporting the Authority's funding request, a step agency leaders said is important to the application process.

Chris Little, representing the Housing Authority, told the council the proposal would replace 52 existing units (12 at Fournier and 40 at Champaign Heights) and add 33 new units targeted to households earning up to 80% of the area median income. "The 85 apartments are intended to provide replacement housing for the 52 families" and to create more mixed-income family housing, Little said.

A project operations representative described recent improvements at the authority's properties, including a new playground at Fournier, upgraded security cameras funded through a HUD safety and security grant, staffing additions—such as a facilities manager and a resident engagement specialist—and a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant that partners with East Greenwich Housing to provide workforce-development supports. The authority reported leasing growth from roughly 82 households to about 102 households and a 12% reduction in rental arrears over the past year.

Paul Ataman, principal at Union Studio Architecture and Community Design, presented site plans and renderings showing phased construction, on-site green space, a small community building with shared laundry and mail facilities, a playground, and a half-court basketball area. Ataman said units would range from two to five bedrooms to accommodate existing families.

Council members asked about management, voucher policies and resident preference. Officials said the 52 replacement units would use project-based vouchers and that the authority's preference policy would prioritize South Kingstown residents first, followed by people who are homeless and veterans if vouchers become available. The authority also noted a pending $1 million congressional earmark intended to support a community center for residents and the broader community.

The council's endorsement does not fund the project; it is intended to demonstrate local support for the Authority's application to Rhode Island Housing for a mix of 9% and 4% tax credits and other financing. HUD has approved the proposed repositioning subject to the authority's securing financing, officials said. Next procedural steps include a pending submission for Rhode Island Housing funding and an upcoming planning-board review.