EastBay RI: EP receives grant to support 144-unit affordable housing development

By Ethan Hartley

“A three-acre affordable housing development located in the heart of downtown East Providence got a financial boost from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank on Monday.

Center City Apartments, a 144-unit, 100% affordable housing development proposed by ONE Neighborhood Builders, will be the beneficiary of a $480,188 Municipal Infrastructure grant awarded to East Providence in order to assist them with preparing a stormwater mitigation plan for the three lots that comprise the development.

Located at the currently vacant properties of 330, 350 and 354 Taunton Ave., the development plan formed through a partnership in 2022 between ONE Neighborhood Builders, Foster Forward, Family Service of RI, and Crossroads Rhode Island in order to create a campus that includes affordable units, along with access to multiple social services.

Of the 144 units, 60% will be available to those making 60-80% of the area median income (AMI), while 40% will be dedicated to individuals earning 30% or less of the AMI, including those who are experiencing homelessness or those who are at a high risk of becoming homeless.

Mayor Bob DaSilva said that the development is an example of the kind of affordable housing efforts that are essential to address the high price of housing that has contributed to the ongoing housing crisis in Rhode Island.

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DaSilva said that ONE Neighborhood’s plan to set aside units for those who are homeless, and for those who have aged out of the foster care system, provides even more motivation for him to support the development.

Procedurally, the Center City Apartments development is currently awaiting a hearing for a final approval from the East Providence Planning Board, which could come as soon as January. If all goes to plan, they hope to have the development built and ready for leasing in the fall of 2026.”

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