Westerly council refers proposed housing committee to planning board after split debate

The Westerly Town Council on Oct. 1 discussed a draft resolution to establish a permanent housing committee charged with promoting and coordinating housing efforts. Councilors were divided over whether the committee should be a standing advisory body or whether the planning board should assume the work.

Proponents said a permanent, seven‑member advisory body could coordinate developers, landlords, tenants, nonprofits and town staff to pursue grants and the many post‑COVID housing challenges the town faces. One councilor said the committee would be “advisory” only and did not have enumerated powers, stressing that it would not supplant planning‑board duties.

Opponents urged caution, arguing that an experienced planning board is the appropriate statutory body to lead planning and zoning work and that existing ad‑hoc efforts had not produced results. Assistant Solicitor advised that a standing advisory committee would likely require a council resolution or ordinance and that the council can, at a minimum, ask the planning board to take housing up as a priority.

After debate the council voted to refer the draft resolution to the planning board for review and recommendation. Council members also asked that the town planner work closely with the planning board to define clear, achievable goals for any committee or ordinance that might return to the council.

The referral preserves council oversight and ensures the planning board — the statutory body charged with planning matters — has an opportunity to weigh in before the council considers a permanent ordinance or resolution.