Steven King, Managing Director at Quonset Development Corporation, joins the show to discuss a new workforce housing initiative.

A factsheet provided by QDC:

Workforce Housing at Quonset Business Park

Quonset Development Corporation and Moran Properties are partnering to develop new workforce
housing at Quonset Business Park, helping expand housing options for the workers who support Rhode
Island’s economy.
Project at a Glance
• At least 140 new apartments
• One- and two-bedroom units
• Located on 6.89 acres along Gate Road
• 40% of the apartments designated
as Quonset Workforce Housing

• At least 10% reserved as low- and
moderate-income housing
• Construction is anticipated to begin
by end of 2027.

Who Will the Workforce Housing Serve?
Preference for the workforce-designated apartments will be given to people working:
• At Quonset Business Park
• In health care or education
• Within 25 miles of Quonset Business Park
• With the federal, state or local government
Keeping Rents Within Reach
The long-term agreement establishes maximum rents for the workforce-designated
apartments. Those limits will be based on average wages at Quonset Business Park,
household income levels in North Kingstown and state income guidelines for workforce
housing. Final rental rates will be determined as the project advances.
Note: rents provided in the QDC Board packet are ceilings for rent over the course of the
project’s 99-year lease and are not meant to suggest current pricing.
Site Map

Infrastructure Upgrades
With the upcoming completion of RIDOT’s “Missing Move” project, the housing
development will be situated adjacent to on- and off-ramps to Route 403, providing
residents with a direct connection to the highway in both directions. The ramps will
significantly reduce travel on local roads, including along Devil’s Foot Road and through the
West Davisville neighborhood.

A Public and Thorough Review Process
The housing proposal has undergone several years of public review and planning:
• December 2022: The Quonset Development Corporation Board approved a major
variance allowing workforce apartments at the site.
• January-May 2023: The North Kingstown Planning Commission considered the
proposal during four public meetings and a public hearing.
• May 16, 2023: The Planning Commission approved the major variance in a public vote.
• 2023-2025: Quonset conducted public processes to seek qualified development
proposals, negotiating with several housing developers, who eventually declined to
move forward.
• July 21, 2026: The Quonset Board considers the proposed agreement with Moran
Properties.

Benefits for North Kingstown
The development will generate additional revenue for the Town of North Kingstown.
Together with existing businesses at the Business Park, the project will help bring
Quonset’s annual contribution to North Kingstown’s municipal tax base to more than $15
million in property taxes and related payments.

What Happens Next?
Before construction begins, the project will be required to:
• Complete Quonset’s technical review process
• Secure all required state permits and approvals
• Establish a construction and anticipated completion schedule