More than three-quarters of New Jersey’s municipalities have met a key affordable housing deadline, according to the Fair Share Housing Center. Over 400 cities and towns have committed to developing affordable housing over the next decade, exceeding expectations. This marks a significant increase in participation compared to previous rounds of state-mandated affordable housing development.
The deadline, which required municipalities to commit to housing numbers assigned by the state or propose new numbers for review, was the first major test of a new affordable housing process laid out in legislation passed last year. The state aims to construct 84,000 new affordable homes and rehabilitate 65,000 units over the next decade.
Despite some towns seeking to reduce their housing obligations, all 27 towns involved in a lawsuit against the state for affordable housing met the deadline. Disputes over housing obligations must be resolved by March 31 through the Affordable Housing Dispute Program, which includes a panel of retired state judges. Failure to meet the deadline could open towns up to lawsuits from builders or developers. Residents and housing advocates can also challenge specific town commitments to affordable housing development through the dispute panel.
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