The Town Council of Westerly convened on September 30, 2024, to address pressing issues surrounding affordable housing and the broader housing market challenges facing the community. The meeting began with a discussion on the formation of a new housing committee aimed at tackling various housing-related issues, including homelessness and the impact of out-of-town buyers on the local market.

Council member Lauther emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to housing, suggesting that the proposed committee should include a diverse range of stakeholders such as housing advocates, real estate professionals, developers, landlords, tenants, and nonprofit leaders. Lauther noted that the housing challenges in Westerly are complex and will require long-term solutions, indicating that the current issues cannot be resolved quickly.

However, the proposal faced opposition from another council member, Robert, who expressed skepticism about the council's ability to effectively form and manage such a committee. He criticized the previous ad hoc housing commission for its lack of proper composition and accountability, stating that the council has historically struggled to ensure diversity and competence in its commissions. Robert voiced his preference to defer the matter to the next council, suggesting that they might be better equipped to select the right individuals for the committee.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing debate within the council regarding the best approach to address housing issues in Westerly. While there was agreement on the importance of forming a committee, differing opinions on the council's capability to execute this effectively led to a division among members. The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, leaving the future of the proposed housing committee uncertain as the council prepares for upcoming discussions.