Gov. McKee signs statewide housing development package

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee held a ceremonial bill signing Wednesday for five bills aimed at spurring housing development across Rhode Island.

The governor’s office said the bills, alongside housing investments from the state’s budget, will help address lagging housing production rates, expand housing supply, and mitigate rising rents and home purchase prices.

The five bills amend the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act to streamline permitting processes, create a housing and land use court calendar, amend subdivision and land development permits, allows for the reuse of existing structures to create new housing, and create a transit-oriented development pilot program.

Two of the bills were sponsored by House Speaker Speaker Joe Shekarchi while one was sponsored by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

Members of the McKee administration and General Assembly said the bills focusing on creating transit hubs, redeveloping unused commercial space into housing, and expanding the availability of moderate and affordable housing are fundamental steps in addressing the state’s housing emergency.

“This budget cycle and legislative session was a major step in the right direction for Rhode Island in terms of creating more affordable accessible housing for all,” McKee said.