I think it’s very important that we take this step. The alternative is we can put a white flag up, and just surrender to these people from California and Boston and New York, or we can try to do something to change this.”

— Patrick McHugh

The Little Compton Town Council last Thursday approved an amendment to the town code that offers a glimmer of hope to working families who, despite what many would consider decent incomes, find it impossible to find suitable, affordable housing in Little Compton.

Councilors assured residents who packed town hall for Thursday’s public hearing that the town's new "Attainable Housing" amendment does not change the town’s two-acre minimum zoning rule, which has been in place for decades.

“I think there is a misconception that we are going to reduce lot sizes from the two acre-acre minimum to 30,600 square feet per house,” said councilor Gary Mataronas at the start of the hearing. “The two-acre minimum size house lot is still going to be in effect and will probably be in effect forever.”

The new ordinance is designed only for potential homeowners who fall into one of two groups: Those in the “affordable” group whose household incomes tdoes not exceed levels defined by state and federal housing agencies, and those in the “attainable” group, who don’t fit into the affordable category because of higher income levels, but still need help to secure housing.

The income guidelines are based on the area’s median income (AMI). Annual household income for those in the “attainable” group cannot exceed $140,000 for a family of three and $160,000 for a family of four. Any household that exceeds those levels may not take advantage of the new rules created by this amendment.

The amendment reduces minimum lot areas to 30,600 square feet, or two-thirds of an acre, and has less restrictive setback and lot coverage provisions than currently required in the existing zoning ordinance. Houses may be no larger than 1,800 square feet or more than 30 feet tall. Other components relate to potable water and DEM approved septic systems, as well as deed restrictions that require the property to maintain its affordable/attainable status if the property changes hands.

More than a dozen speakers addressed the council prior to the vote, with some suggesting a decision be postponed until all unresolved questions on the amendment are resolved.

Others, such as resident Andy Rhyne, noted that the planning board would ultimately need to approve any subdivisions that resulted from the amendment. He said town officials should not strive for perfection at this point.

“You are not going to have tons of houses popping up all of a sudden ... It will happen slowly. If we are lucky, we might get 10 houses that people can afford this year — maybe a little more. This is not going to happen fast, and you have plenty of times to make tweaks if you need to.”

Councilor Patrick McHugh noted that the amendment could be adjusted at a future point if it proves problematic.

“I think it’s very important that we take this step. The alternative is we can put a white flag up, and just surrender to these people from California and Boston and New York, or we can try to do something to change this.”

The councilors’ unanimous vote to approve the amendment included a stipulation that they would vote on a final version again at the next meeting, after the town solicitor makes certain minor edits to wording.