The East Greenwich Planning Board has approved the construction of the Ridgeline Estates condo complex on a vacant lot off Division Road, despite concerns from neighboring Faith Hill Farm.

Faith Hill Farm, which houses a variety of animals including horses, goats, pigs, and donkeys, provides therapy, boarding, and lessons. The farm's owner, Pamela Steere, expressed concern that the new condos could have a negative impact on her animals.

“It’s a concern for the animals, especially with the potential for noise and disruption from the construction,” Steere told 12 News. “The farm is a quiet, therapeutic environment, and I fear the animals won’t adapt well to the changes.”

Despite these concerns, the Planning Board approved the condo project, but with several conditions in place. These include specific requirements for fence heights, protective buffers, and the completion of a preliminary plan to mitigate the impact on the farm.

“This has been a very difficult project presented before the board,” one board member stated. “It’s an extraordinary set of circumstances, and it was hard to factor everything in fairly without some people not getting everything they want.”

The new development, called Ridgeline Estates, will feature 39 two- and three-bedroom units. The timeline for when construction will begin is still unclear, but the board emphasized the need for additional housing in the area despite the challenges.

The approval of Ridgeline Estates comes at a time when East Greenwich faces increasing pressure for residential development, especially as housing demands continue to rise. While some residents support the addition of new homes, others, like Steere, are concerned about the project’s potential impact on the environment and the community.

In response to the approval, Steere remained hopeful that the planning board's conditions would help minimize the disruption to the farm’s operations and ensure that the animals' welfare is prioritized during construction.

“I’m hoping that the board’s conditions will be met, and that the construction will be done in a way that respects the animals and the farm’s peaceful environment,” Steere said.

As construction plans continue to move forward, it remains to be seen how the residents of both the farm and the upcoming condo complex will adapt to the changes in the neighborhood.

Originally reported by Leah Crowley in WPRI.