Over-Development In Vulnerable Areas

In the last year, a few developers have proposed packing into their developments many more houses per acre than are allowed under zoning. For instance, on an environmentally sensitive parcel zoned for about 20 houses, over 400 dwelling units were proposed. Although this development has not yet come to pass, studies show that intense development cannot continue long term without causing damage to groundwater, to say nothing about adverse impacts for wildlife, on our roads, or on the character of our community. Nonetheless, recent changes to Rhode Island law make over-development in vulnerable areas in Charlestown almost inevitable.

Concerns:
Rhode Island’s mandate to increase housing production beyond what is already occurring doesn’t work for Charlestown. We’ve already had higher housing growth than the rest of the state for years, and over-development in vulnerable areas could damage our aquifer and force the construction of expensive infrastructure. In certain areas of town, housing is already so dense that a good portion of the land has been classified as “developed beyond carrying capacity.” We also see that market forces create luxury housing, not affordable homes. Greatly increasing building rates threatens our rural character and environment without solving affordability.

Risks:
Over-development in vulnerable areas could damage our aquifers, coastal ponds, and inland lakes and in the end force taxpayers to have to finance the construction of expensive sewer and water facilities and piping. More high-end developments make housing less affordable for workers and families who keep our community functioning year-round.

Possible Solutions:
Resist state mandates, preserving local control, and work with non-profits to build some modestly priced homes in every new subdivision, or accept state overrides allowing greater densities hoping to drive prices down.

My Position:
I will support our town leaders working with the RI Secretary of Housing, who has set requirements matching our current growth rates without overriding local control, resulting in housing residents can afford. I’ll lobby the legislature to adopt Housing 2030 goals and to recognize that overriding environmental protections creates homes for the wealthy, not affordability.

Bonnie Van Slyke, the author of this post, is a candidate for Town Council in the December 2, 2025 election. She was a member of the Charlestown Town Council from 2014 to 2022. She was the Town Council Liaison to the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Senior Citizens Commission. She is a former officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center, a former Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Harvard, MA and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Harvard Conservation Trust. Bonnie is a freelance copy editor, technical writer, and publications specialist. You can learn more about Bonnie on her profile page.