The South Kingstown Town Council meeting on October 28, 2024, spotlighted the ongoing discussions around potential workforce housing developments in the community. Key players from Union Studio Architecture and Peregrine Group presented their findings and proposals 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 affordable and attainable housing options. He noted that their firm has a strong history of working with the town, including crafting the cottage court ordinance and collaborating on the Champaign Heights project with the South Kingstown Housing Authority. The goal is to address the community's housing needs while maintaining appropriate density and design.

During the meeting, Lake shared various housing models, including mixed-income communities and compact units designed to reduce costs. He highlighted that the community's feedback sessions have been crucial in shaping these proposals, with initial reactions indicating limited pushback against the idea of converting the school sites into housing. However, concerns were raised about the specifics of affordability, with residents eager to understand what "affordable housing" truly means in this context.

The council plans to reconvene in early December to further discuss the feedback received and refine the proposals. This ongoing dialogue aims to ensure that any developments align with community needs and expectations, paving the way for a more inclusive housing strategy in South Kingstown.