Rep. Felix bill would promote transit-oriented development as part of housing package

STATE HOUSE – As part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s 14-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis, Rep. Leonela Felix has introduced a bill to promote denser development around transit hubs. That, advocates say, would provide housing units for different income levels within walking distance of public transportation hubs to reduce traffic, air pollution and carbon emissions.

“Promoting denser development around transit hubs is not only about creating affordable housing, but also about building more sustainable and equitable communities,” said Representative Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket). “By investing in mixed-use developments near public transportation, this pilot program will help address housing shortages, reduce traffic, improve air quality, and move us closer to achieving our carbon emission targets. Accessible housing and reliable public transportation are essential components of creating equitable and sustainable communities.”

The bill (2023-H 6084) would create a pilot program to fund projects that build dense, mixed-use development around transit centers like train stations and bus hubs. In order to qualify for the program, a municipality must have developable land or properties within a one-quarter mile radius of a regional mobility hub or a one-eighth mile radius of a frequent transit stop. That way, advocates say, residents of the new housing would be able to get around without needing to drive everywhere. Reducing the number of cars on the road reduces traffic and pot holes, improves air quality and helps the state comply with carbon emission targets.

The bill will be heard at the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing hearing Thursday, March 16.

The state already has some transit-oriented development planned around the new train station and transit hub in Pawtucket and Central Falls. Representative Felix hopes to use that as a model for further development.

“This pilot program is a crucial step towards promoting a healthier lifestyle for all Rhode Islanders by prioritizing the development of sustainable neighborhoods that are accessible, affordable, and prioritize community well-being,” Representative Felix said. “Let's work together toward creating vibrant, walkable communities that benefit everyone.”

The legislation is one of the 14 bills that Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Representative Felix and others are proposing to bring down housing costs. Nine of the 14 bills will be heard at the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing Thursday.

 

 

President Trump will soon be celebrating the passage of his "big, beautiful bill" in Iowa. While at Joint Base Andrews today, Trump said the U.S. is going to take off like a rocket ship once he signs it into law. It cleared a final House vote after a few GOP holdouts switched their votes to "yes." Trump will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines to kickoff of "America250." It's a yearlong celebration ahead of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.        Two cases involving transgender participation in women's sports are being taken up by the Supreme Court. It's a victory for conservative activists, who have been calling on the high court to step in, pointing to the protections provided under Title-Nine. The justices on Thursday said they will hear appeals from Republican leaders in West Virgina and Idaho, who will defend bans in their states.        More than 18-million passengers will be screened by the TSA by the time the Fourth of July holiday wraps up. A TSA spokesperson says fireworks are one item travelers absolutely cannot pack in their carry on or checked luggage. Anyone traveling without a REAL ID or compliant form of secondary ID should also budget extra time into their travel day since they will have to go through additional security checks.        Fourth of July festivities in Florida and parts of the Southeast are expected to be interrupted by severe storms. Florida has already seen showers and thunderstorms this week. It's due to a possible tropical system in the Atlantic that has a medium chance of developing over the next week.        Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. is being taken into custody by U.S immigration officials. The Department of Homeland Security announced he was arrested on Wednesday just days after he faced Jake Paul in a boxing match in Anaheim. The department said the arrest was in connection with an active warrant in Mexico related to organized crime, including trafficking firearms.        Liverpool and Portugal national soccer team star Diogo Jota [[ dee-oh-go joe-tah ]] and his younger brother are dead after a car accident in Spain. Officials believe a tire blowout caused their car to veer off the road and then burst into flames. The 28-year-old Jota married his wife and mother of his three children just ten days ago. He helped Liverpool win the English Premier League for the first time in five years this season.