Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.
Impact
This bill represents a significant shift in how affordable housing is managed in New Jersey, moving from state-controlled oversight under COAH to localized decision-making. By allowing municipalities to adopt binding resolutions for their housing obligations, the bill promotes a tailored approach to local housing needs. However, it also stipulates strict deadlines for compliance to avoid potential legal challenges related to zoning and housing lawsuits, particularly those invoking builder's remedies, which compel municipalities to approve development plans if they fail to meet their affordable housing obligations.
Summary
Bill A4 seeks to reform municipal responsibilities concerning affordable housing by abolishing the existing Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and establishing a new framework for municipalities to determine their own fair share of affordable housing obligations. It stipulates that municipalities must work with court-appointed obligation special masters, tasked with calculating regional housing needs and obligations based on specific formulas. The bill aims to ensure that municipalities can meet their responsibilities towards low- and moderate-income housing through clear processes and defined deadlines for compliance, particularly ahead of the forthcoming fourth round of housing obligations scheduled to begin in 2025.
Contention
While the bill aims to streamline the affordable housing process and enhance local control, there are points of contention. Supporters argue that the direct involvement of municipalities will lead to more effectively meeting local housing needs, while opponents express concern that dissolving COAH could undermine state-level oversight and protection for low-income housing. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for transitional housing and limits the percentage of housing obligations that can be satisfied through age-restricted units, which has drawn scrutiny from advocates who fear the potential for reduced affordable housing opportunities for families with children.
Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.
Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.
Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.
Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.