A federal judge has blocked the Town of Johnston, Rhode Island, from taking control of a 31-acre property planned for affordable housing. The judge ruled that town officials did not have the legal authority to seize the land. US District Judge Melissa R. DuBose overturned the town's decision to take the property near George Waterman Road. The ruling clears the way for the Santoro family and their development company, SCLS Realty LLC, to continue plans for a 252-unit housing complex. The decision ends a major legal dispute between town officials and property developers over land rights, local zoning rules and state requirements for affordable housing.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!