Town Meeting

Today, The Commons Foundation hosted a town wide meeting for all parties interested in community housing.

Approximately 200 townspeople crowded into the open event at the Little Compton Community Center. Speakers included representatives from The Little Compton Agricultural Trust, the Little Compton Housing Trust, the Planning Board of Little Compton, the United Congregational Church of Little Compton, and The Commons Foundation itself. The event represented the first time all of these entities gathered together to provide the citizenry of the challenges, goals and resources needed to develop community housing. Key commentary included:

• The Ag Trust has initiated two studies focused on real estate costs and land use, the results of which are expected in 2024.

• The Housing Trust is in the early stages of developing two projects that will result in five single family homes.

• The Planning Board continues its work in updating a comprehensive plan for the town, including the development of housing.

• The Congregational Church has set aside 10% of the proceeds of its sale of the Parish House to be devoted the supporting housing.

• The Commons Foundation will formalize itself as an incorporated not for profit next week.

• Town Council members Andrew Irarte Moore and Patrick McHugh noted they were “hopeful” for success and asked that we “keep talking to us” about the steps the organizations want to make to realize the objective of affordable community housing

At the close of the meeting, The Commons Foundation requested that the citizenry get involved to support the group mission and promised to continue to communicate with the attendees.