Abandoned properties for redevelopment Bill is part of Speaker Shekarchi’s housing package
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Rep. José F. Batista and Sen. Meghan E. Kallman to help encourage housing production in Rhode Island by requiring towns to publish lists of abandoned properties.
Rep. José F. Batista
The bill, which now goes to the governor, is part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s 15-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis.
The legislation (2024-H 7986Aaa, 2024-S 2992A) amends the existing statute for abandoned properties to require a municipal inventory, with yearly updating, and clarifies the process regarding the required abatement of abandoned properties. Additionally, in the case of nuisance properties that are in receivership, the bill enables judges to give priority to buyers who are willing to add deed restrictions that designate the property as low- or moderate-income housing or owner-occupied housing, or make other commitments to keep it affordable.
“There are so many places in our communities that were once useful, and really could be useful again if someone made the effort to redevelop them. Development that transforms blighted properties into the homes we desperately need would help address our housing crisis while simultaneously making our existing neighborhoods safer and more vibrant,” said Representative Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence), who led Central Falls’ Nuisance Property Task Force when he was the city’s assistant solicitor. The task force crafts community-oriented solutions for nuisance and abandoned properties.
Sen. Meghan E. Kallman
Said Senator Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), “Getting abandoned properties redeveloped is always good for the neighborhood, the municipality and the state. This bill would add another layer of value to that redevelopment by helping to incentivize affordable housing creation in neighborhoods that are in great need of more of it. Offering a list of available abandoned properties is an easy way to invite investment in revitalization and affordable housing.”