The South Kingstown Town Council meeting on October 28, 2024, focused on potential developments for workforce housing in the community. Representatives from Union Studio Architecture and Peregrine Group presented findings from recent community feedback sessions regarding three specific sites: South Road School, Wakefield Elementary School, and the Oliver Watson House.

Jeremy Lake from Union Studio emphasized the importance of exploring these sites for housing opportunities, particularly affordable and attainable housing. He noted that their firm has a history of working with South Kingstown on various housing projects, including the cottage court ordinance and the Champaign Heights project with the South Kingstown Housing Authority.

During the presentation, Lake outlined different housing models, including mixed-income communities and compact units designed to reduce costs. He shared that the community feedback sessions aimed to gather input on the feasibility of developing these sites into workforce housing. The sessions included discussions on the potential density, styles, and layouts of the proposed developments.

The feedback from the community indicated a general openness to the idea of utilizing the school sites for housing, with limited pushback on the concept. However, concerns were raised regarding the specifics of affordability, with residents seeking clarity on what "affordable housing" would entail.

Lake mentioned that the next steps involve further discussions with town boards and commissions, with plans to reconvene in early December to present refined options based on community input. The council's exploration of these sites reflects a proactive approach to addressing housing needs in South Kingstown, aiming to balance development with community concerns.