To the editor:

I write to offer a clarification to the article posted on April 14, 2025 in the Barrington Times. The article focuses on Representative Jason Knight’s legislation, H5796AA, that was passed by the House of Representatives in mid-April. The headline suggests that the bill would “allow multi-family housing throughout Barrington.” It would only do that if the town council decided to rezone the entire town for multifamily dwellings. That is unlikely, to say the least.  

What the bill proposes is that all municipalities in Rhode Island within the “urban service boundary” provide a zone in their community where multi-family housing is permitting. There is no stipulation regarding how big the zone must be, or where in town it must be, only that wherever the zone is, it be serviced by public sewer and water.

This is an easy lift for Barrington where multifamily housing already exists in certain areas of town. These areas should be the starting point as the Zoning Board and Town Council consider how best to implement this statute (assuming it is enacted into law.)

Multifamily homes provide housing opportunities that are affordable for seniors, young people, extended families and folks who simply prefer a neighborhood with a bit of density. This law facilitates the creation of this type of housing in a place and manner determined by local decision-makers. 

Thank you to Rep. Knight for sponsoring a bill that encourages the creation of homes for all types of families but leaves it to municipal decision-makers to determine how and where they best fit in town.

June Speakman

Warren

June Speakman is the District 68 Representative.