Rhode Island Needs A New Affordable Housing Law

"The controversy started last year, when lawmakers, responding to a shortage of affordable housing, gave private developers access to incentives once reserved for nonprofits. The incentives include a shorter application process, potential construction subsidies of up to $500,000 per project, and the potential for denser zoning -- if at least one of every five units is sold or rented at below-market rates. The change has spurred proposals to build about 2,000 new houses and condominiums, of which about one-fifth would meet the state's definition of affordable."