Since many individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or who are mentally disabled are able to live in the community with some assistance, it is the public policy of the state of Rhode Island to establish community residences in residential areas. Therefore, any restrictive covenant or other private legal impediment which directly or indirectly prevents or restricts the establishment of licensed community residences as defined in § 40.1-24-1 for eight (8) or fewer persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall be void and unenforceable as to those community residences.