EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – On Tuesday, March 17th, the East Providence City Council gave final passage on a new zoning ordinance that will create more affordable housing opportunities throughout the city. This decision came following a 4 to 1 vote approved by Council President Bob Rodericks, Council Vice President Frank Rego, Ward 3 Councilman Frank Fogerty, and Ward 2 Councilwoman Anna Sousa.
The city’s inclusionary zoning regulations will require that future housing developments of more than 10 dwelling units provide a minimum of 15% affordable, deed-restricted units for low- and moderate-income households citywide.
“The City of East Providence continues to lead the way in creating new legislation and zoning laws to bring more affordable housing to our community,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This means that when a developer builds market-rate, high-end or luxury housing, they must also include low- and moderate-income units within the development,” DaSilva added.
Additionally, those developing in the Waterfront District that are utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) with the city, must provide a minimum of 20% of those units to be affordable deed restricted.
“The revised ordinance continues my hopes in providing a balanced plan to address the housing needs of our community,” Council President Bob Rodericks said. “It is a sincere intent to mix affordable housing needs with market rate residences, as we keep a quality housing balance in our city,” Rodericks added. “As with all ordinances, we can monitor this closely and tweak, if necessary. The status quo in housing certainly isn’t the best policy moving forward.”
“The ordinance that the East Providence City Council passed on Tuesday night ensures that the residents of the city will have more opportunities for affordable housing, Council Vice President Frank Rego said. “ My hope is that it will enhance the efforts of developers to build more homes where our older residents can downsize and still have an affordable place to call home,” Rego added.
“I am grateful to the residents of East Providence for their public input, as well as our planning department staff who helped shape this ordinance, to create more housing opportunities throughout our city,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
