More New Jersey Towns Join Lawsuit Against Affordable Housing Law
Woodland Park, Little Falls, and Warren Township are among several New Jersey towns that have passed local resolutions to join a growing lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s affordable housing law. These towns, along with 26 others, argue that the state is unfairly requiring them to build more housing without considering their capacity for development.
The Burden on Small Municipalities
Little Falls Mayor James Damiano expressed his concerns, especially for his town, which is merely 3 square miles with a population of 14,000. Little Falls has been asked to build 285 new affordable homes by 2035, a task Damiano considers “beyond overwhelming.” With 90% of developable land already used, he questions where these additional homes will fit.
The Lawsuit and Growing Support
The lawsuit was initially filed in Mercer County Superior Court by nine towns in September, with 17 more officially joining since then. Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali leads the coalition, receiving numerous inquiries from other town officials interested in joining the cause. The lawsuit is unfolding as New Jersey municipalities gear up for the next 10-year round of state-mandated affordable housing development.
Challenges Faced by Woodland Park and Warren Township
Woodland Park, with an obligation to develop 346 new units, and Warren Township, tasked with building 262 new units, question the accuracy of the state’s calculations. Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert believes the state misidentified potential affordable housing sites due to flawed calculations, while Warren Township officials have concerns over high-density overdevelopment to meet their obligations.
The Potential Impact of Affordable Housing
In explaining the need to join the lawsuit, Warren Township Committee member Daniel Croson emphasized the market rates driving density rather than affordable housing units. Despite the blame often directed at those utilizing affordable housing, Croson highlights that it is the market rates that influence the situation.
Legal Battle and Future Developments
The towns involved in the lawsuit have agreed to contribute $20,000 to the legal fund, with ongoing clashes between attorneys for the towns and the state attorney general’s office. As the lawsuit unfolds, Judge Robert Lougy will decide on the motion to halt the state’s next round of affordable housing development by January 1. The towns await a resolution to the ongoing legal battle, hoping for a fair outcome that considers the challenges they face in meeting the state’s housing requirements.
