New Jersey Assembly Bill A4145

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/4/24

Caption

Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws related to land use by explicitly excluding certain types of land from being considered available for development. Specifically, any land regulated by state or federal agencies, including regions under the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council and areas designated under the Flood Hazard Area Control Act, will not count towards a municipality's fair share of affordable housing. This change reinforces protections for sensitive ecological areas and aims to ensure that housing development does not occur in locations that could exacerbate environmental degradation or flood risk.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4145, introduced by Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, aims to prevent the designation of environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land as vacant or available for the construction of affordable housing. The bill amends P.L.1995, c.231 and specifically delineates types of land that should not be included in a municipality's calculation of available land resources for affordable housing projects under the fair share housing obligation. This legislation seeks to protect valuable ecological regions while addressing the complex relationship between housing development and environmental responsibility in New Jersey.

Contention

While the bill proposes significant protections for environmentally sensitive areas, it may generate debate regarding its implications for affordable housing availability. Supporters argue that the bill is a vital step in safeguarding New Jersey’s ecosystems and maintaining the integrity of natural resources, while opponents may contend that it could impede efforts to address the affordable housing crisis by limiting available land. Discussions around the bill may center on finding a balance between environmental conservation and the urgent need for housing development to serve New Jersey's growing population.