In light of the recent attention given to the Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust and Little Compton Housing Trust, respectively, I would like to offer some thoughts as a concerned resident. The first being, TRANSPARENCY MATTERS. While posted meeting “minutes” are appreciated, it is difficult to fully understand the complete context of the well intended notes. The pandemic forced meetings online and instantly made public meetings more open. It has been encouraging to see both the town council and school committee continue with this practice allowing residents to stay well-informed without the restrictions of life’s schedule. I hope that upon completion of the town hall renovations, the town will require all public bodies to offer a video recording as well.

It is unfortunate that emerging details are being told through the newspaper and not from town officials directly. There is a glaring silence from the town council, while an Ag trust board member makes claims of “Ad Infinitum” in the letters to the editor!

Again, transparency matters….

It should not be misconstrued that the actions of the AG Trust and its recent mishaps are in some way made acceptable by being offset through a declaration of “moral and just cause.” By their own admission, the “Agricultural” Trust has stated that they are actively meddling in affordable housing. According to the original legislative document that established the Ag Trust, it was created for very specific purposes:

“There is hereby established a Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust (hereinafter called Trust) for the primary purpose of acquiring development rights to agricultural property within the town. The Trust shall have as a secondary purpose the acquisition of agricultural property, and/or other property, or interest therein, to preserve open spaces, fresh and saltwater marshes, estuaries and adjoining uplands, groundwater recharging areas, land providing access to the ocean, land for bicycle paths and land for future public recreational facilities and use.”

I do truly believe that despite the unique circumstances and disappointing response, all involved were and will continue to be well-intentioned. The same can be said for all town residents. Regardless of differing views or opinions the common thread is a desire to in some way shape or preserve the Little Compton we have created in our own minds. I wish not to push a divisive narrative, but instead encourage a continued discussion of an evolving town.

I also believe the creation of the Ag Trust and its ultimate goal were well intentioned. It has done a tremendous job of fulfilling those goals and preserving the town’s rural character. The benefits of this have been discussed extensively through the years. By their own account (As of Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023) the Ag Trust has worked to preserve 2,332.902 acres of land, or roughly 12.613 percent of Little Compton. All while amassing an operating account  with a balance that is continuously over $3,000,000.

What has not been discussed extensively are the unintended and unforeseen consequences of its creation. One adverse effect has been the negative impact on the affordability of housing in town. There has recently been long overdue discussion of affordable housing in Little Compton. The need to address the town’s lack of reasonable housing options has drastically overtaken the once urgent need to preserve large tracts of land in Little Compton. It can be debated extensively of how the town has become so out of reach for most, but that dialogue will not change the current state or trajectory of prices.

Perhaps the recent well-intentioned events can offer an unintended solution. The Ag Trust was created to solve a problem that the majority of the residents felt was important. A land transfer tax was enacted to “carry out the purpose of the aforesaid Trust.” The numbers speak for themselves, job well done.

In more recent years and in recognition of a developing housing problem the Little Compton Housing Trust was created. Though similar sounding, the stated intentions could not be farther apart. The Little Compton Housing Trust was authorized with “… the purpose of which is to serve as an advocacy group for any person or group desiring to address the problem of housing affordability…” From my limited knowledge and scarce following it is strikingly apparent that the Housing Trust is handcuffed by a number of limiting factors. Yet, funding sticks out as the biggest hurdle.

I offer the following statement as an idea in its infancy, and by no means do I claim to have any answers to the questions that will certainly arise as more input is considered.

I believe there should be serious consideration given to shifting the stated purpose of the Ag Trust from purchasing additional property to the preservation and maintenance of its existing holdings. We are fortunate to have other organizations such as Sakonnet Preservation that are also actively working towards continued preservation. Naturally this would limit or possibly eliminate future expenditures associated with the Ag Trust therefore eliminating the Ag Trust’s need for the associated transfer tax. From this two options would arise. The first being the elimination of the transfer tax altogether. At the very least this would instantly reduce the costs associated with the purchase of property in Little Compton. Or the second option would be to shift the funding created by the transfer tax to the Housing Trust. Following a similar model of the Ag Trust, this would create a source of funding to actually address the issue of housing affordability.

I am by no means advocating for additional taxes! Suggesting only a shifting of the existing transfer tax to potentially help solve an affordable housing issue in town or eliminating the tax entirely.  I intend this letter to generate discussion and continued conversation. Hopefully this will not breed any animosity, only more dialogue and better ideas.

Wordell is a Little Compton resident.