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Rhode Island Housing approves roughly $47 million package for Champaign/Champagne Heights redevelopment
Summary
Town officials and the housing authority told the council that Rhode Island Housing approved funding that, combined with tax credits, loans and grants, creates roughly $47 million for the Champaign/Champagne Heights redevelopment; officials said current residents will be kept in place until replacement units are ready and a groundbreaking is targeted for 2027.
Chris Little, speaking on behalf of the housing authority, told the Town Council that Rhode Island Housing approved the authority’s funding request on April 16 and that the total financing package now totals approximately $47,000,000.
The funding combines federal and state low-income housing tax credits with loans and grants, Little said, and the transaction will require two financial closings and a separate closing with HUD. "We expect the spring to take us until next January to be able to have the financial closings," he said, adding that architectural drawings will take about four months, followed by roughly a month of review by Rhode Island Housing.
The plan, as Little described it, would replace 52 dilapidated family units at Fournier and Champagne Heights and add about 33 workforce units aimed primarily at two‑bedroom households earning up to 80% of area median income. When replacement units are ready, the current 52 families would move into new units; the existing Fournier buildings would then be demolished and could make room for roughly 22–24 one‑bedroom units intended for downsizing households or people just starting out.
Little also said the project secured additional grant funding initiated by U.S. Rep. (name referenced in meeting) that would allow a small addition to the housing authority administration building to provide confidential meeting space for residents and social‑service agencies. "It's going to be a couple of offices, a meeting room, a bathroom, and maybe a little kitchenette," he said, describing the on‑site support space for programs such as family self‑sufficiency.
Council members and the presenter emphasized outreach: Little said the team will conduct resident and neighbor outreach and process final planning approvals administratively through the planning department. He described the approval as provisional until the remaining permits and closings are completed.
On timing, Little said: "So we, at this point are hoping to be able to break ground as soon as the weather permits in 2027." He added that the project team will complete required drawings and reviews before closing and that some state permits are expected to be ministerial.
The presentation drew council congratulations for securing the complex financing. Council members noted the large funding total and praised the housing authority’s persistence in assembling the package.
Next steps the council discussed include continued planning‑level review, administrative approvals from the planning department, required state permits and completing the financial closings with Rhode Island Housing and HUD before construction begins.
