Affordable-Housing Debate Rages on Eve of Decision in Barrington

The often contentious debate over affordable housing in Barrington, particularly the Palmer Pointe rental development at Sowams Nursery, has gone statewide.

WJAR-TV’s weekly 10 News Conference show engaged Barrington Town Council President June Speakman  and affordable housing critic Gary Morse in a debate last weekend. They laid out their views in the show hosted by Channel 10 corresondent Jim Taricani and political reporter Bill Rappleye.

The debate aired on the eve of an expected decision by the Barrington Planning Board next Tuesday evening, Aug. 6, on the development. A decision is being drafted, said Town Planner Phil Hervey. It calls for a smaller development than originally proposed – 40 versus 48 units, which was proposed by the Planning Board at its most recent meeting on the project.

See the debate between Speakmen and Morse by clicking here.