Exempts contaminated and industrially-zoned sites from affordable housing rules.
Impact
If passed, A213 will specifically impact the way municipalities interact with developers who seek to revitalize contaminated or industrially-zoned properties. By preventing municipalities from imposing fees or housing obligation penalties on developers working on these parcels, the bill could potentially accelerate the rate of remediation and development in an area where land development is becoming increasingly scarce. The expectation is that clean-up and development efforts will contribute positively to local economies and housing infrastructure by enabling more industrial growth and reducing barriers that currently hamper the revitalization of such lands.
Summary
Assembly Bill A213 aims to modify the existing rules related to affordable housing in New Jersey by exempting contaminated and industrially-zoned sites from being included in the fair share housing obligation calculations. This means that municipalities will no longer have their affordable housing obligations increased when they permit the development of contaminated sites or land designated for industrial use. The intent is to encourage developers to remediate and utilize these lands without the burden of additional fees or increased housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act. The bill recognizes the significant resources required for the remediation of such lands, hoping to streamline their redevelopment.
Contention
The bill could face contention from stakeholders concerned about the potential environmental repercussions of encouraging development on potentially hazardous sites without adequate regulation. Critics may argue that while the intention to promote economic development is noble, it should not come at the cost of proper environmental oversight or the health and safety of communities. Supporters will likely highlight the importance of strategic urban growth and economic needs, suggesting that the current framework serves as a disincentive rather than an enabling environment for necessary industrial and commercial development.
Requires owner or operator of industrial establishment applying for de minimis exemption from "Industrial Site Recovery Act" to certify as to no actual knowledge of contamination exceeding remediation standards.
Requires owner or operator of industrial establishment applying for de minimis exemption from "Industrial Site Recovery Act" to certify as to no actual knowledge of contamination exceeding remediation standards.
An Act Delaying Implementation Of Certain Standards And Sampling Requirements Upon The Detection Of Pollutants Causing Contamination Of Soil, Groundwater Or Public Or Private Drinking Water Wells.