Rhode Island Files First-in-Nation Single-Room Occupancy Model Legislation
ij.orgcrickets chirping
Once upon a time, down the street from where Junie Speakman (sponsor of the legislation) lives, there was an SRO hotel called the Harriet Bradford Inn. About 25 years ago, it got sold, and turned into ~12 condos w/ an average price of $1 million each.
Part and parcel of the gentrification happening in that neighborhood over my lifetime-but, even 1bdrms in Providence are > $900 a month, so I'm not sure how much effect adding more one-bedrooms can do for families.
Not sure what your point is. This seems like a great way to create another housing option. It is an alternative for those who can't afford the studios or 1BRs (which, BTW, would be a bargain anywhere close to $900).
You can call it (pejoratively) gentrification, but, due simply to demand and not enough houses, there is certainly housing that is not luxe that is quite pricey as well.
$900 for a 1-bdrm in Providence (not between Main St. & Gano) is ...ludicrously expensive historically speaking. Part of that is RI salaries being terrible, and another is that to get a cheaper place you have to live in the shootier neighborhoods on the Westside.
And-I am not complaining about the gentrification; far better a condo in that bldg. than a new McMansion on a greenfield site. I just think the legislation is barely worth the effort.