An article in the April first edition of the Newport Daily News highlighted some of the challenges that Tiverton residents are facing:

"Kathy Peruzzi and Sandra Van Hof are among a group of residents in the Captain Circle and Fairwood Drive area that fear the worst if the proposed Friendship Farms affordable housing development is approved.

Peruzzi and Van Hof said the proposal does not account for local zoning regulations and would deplete picturesque tree views and place septic systems near existing wells, ignoring the 75-foot natural buffer that local regulations require as a perimeter. They and other opponents also question how this and other new affordable housing developments can bypass these and local regulations. Specifically, they also question if there is enough water, as well as proper exit and entrances to the proposed development, which could hamper the access of emergency vehicles and lead to traffic congestion.

Both used the word “nightmare” to describe the proposed 155-unit development off Stafford Road, of which 39 are marked as affordable units."

You can read the full article at https://www.newportri.com/story/news/local/2025/04/01/tiverton-housing-proposals-gets-pushback-from-residents/82737631007/ (subscription required).

We encourage anyone who is experiencing a similar situation to reach out to their local news outlet. You can write a letter or share your story- just make sure your voice is heard.