A new poll conducted by YouGov for Neighbors Welcome reveals strong public support for bills aimed at making housing construction more accessible in Rhode Island. The poll of 602 registered voters found that 78% of respondents believe there are not enough affordable homes in their communities. Additionally, 57% cited the "cost of housing" as the state's top issue.

The proposed legislation includes bills that would allow homes to be built in at least 30% of commercial areas and on smaller lots, with a focus on areas near transit hubs. The aim is to create "mixed-use overlay districts" in commercial zones, permitting residential developments alongside businesses, offices, and other establishments.

"One idea that was particularly popular with voters was the idea of allowing more homes to be built in commercial districts near existing businesses, utilities, and public transit access," said Claudia Wack, president of Neighbors Welcome. The support for building homes near businesses and shopping districts was confirmed by 87% of respondents.

Senator Jake Bissaillon, a sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, emphasized that the legislation would not only revitalize commercial districts but also maintain a sense of community. "I do think that it's a way to not just reinvigorate our strip malls and our corridors, but also really maintain a sense of community," he said.

Further bills, such as H5964 and S715, aim to reduce the required size for new home lots. The bills would allow construction on 2,500 square feet of land within a quarter mile of a transit stop and on 5,000 square feet of land with utilities. "I walk neighborhoods all the time and I see homes that aren't traditionally the size that you would think, but work just fine and fit within the character of the neighborhood," stated Sen. Tiara Mack, sponsor of the bill.

In addition, the proposed bills would revise building codes for smaller apartment buildings to reduce construction costs. H5373 and S350 aim to regulate buildings with up to four apartments under the state’s residential building code, which is less stringent than the commercial code that requires sprinklers and alarms, thus lowering overall costs.

As Rhode Island tackles its housing challenges, these bills signal a move toward more accessible, affordable housing across the state.

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Originally reported by Patrick Anderson in The Providence Journal.