Providence Takes Steps Toward Solidifying its New Housing-Forward Comprehensive Plan

The proposed ordinance changes reflect the city’s vision for increased housing density. The City Plan Commission is set to discuss more contentious topics at a meeting in early 2025

The proposed ordinance changes reflect the city’s vision for increased housing density. The City Plan Commission is set to discuss more contentious topics at a meeting in early 2025

Share
Providence Takes Steps Toward Solidifying its New Housing-Forward Comprehensive Plan
Copy

The Providence City Plan Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt some zoning ordinance changes based on the city’s new comprehensive plan. Broadly speaking, the zoning changes would allow greater density in most neighborhoods in Providence, except Blackstone and some pockets of the West side.

While the comprehensive plan is a general guide for Providence’s growth that the city creates every 10 years, the zoning ordinances crystallize that growth into law and specify exact building requirements.

The updates approved by the commission still need to be adopted by the City Council and mayor before they become law.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

With high prices, strict zoning, and limited new construction, Rhode Island is now the least affordable state for homebuyers. Housing expert Richard Godfrey explains the unique challenges driving the crisis—and what might help
The protests were part of a national “No Kings” day of action
The two-part play is a “Bonus Series” in Gamm’s 40th anniversary celebration
The Senate president’s office says she’s seeking passage in the Judiciary Committee
From seaside mysteries to speculative memoirs, this season’s new releases by New England-connected authors offer something for every kind of reader — whether you’re chasing chills, laughs, romance, or revolution
Nearly 50 years after the first Providence march, cities and towns across the state, from Newport to Woonsocket, are hosting grassroots Pride events that offer opportunities for connection, visibility, and support within the LGBTQ+ community