Montville Township faces difficult decisions regarding burdensome Affordable Housing guidelines. In a recent statement, the Committee politicized the affordable housing issue and misled residents about the many different options towns have.
Affordable housing mandates have been in place since 1975. Some of the pain we now face is because Chris Christie was in denial about the fact that the obligations existed. He kicked the can down the road, meaning we now have to make up for the units NOT built during his tenure. While the 2024 bill has major flaws, its intent was to simplify the process of calculating each town’s obligations and avoid expensive, drawn-out court battles.
A resident recently asked if 100% of all units being affordable was an option. Township attorney, Fred Semrau said building a 100% affordable development would force us to fund the total gross number of units in its obligation, potentially hundreds, instead of its current, reduced number, which he estimated could cost tens of millions of dollars. This is misleading.
100% affordable housing projects ARE a viable alternative to for-profit inclusionary projects because they would not cause the total units to be multiplied by four or five. There are numerous 100% AH complexes in NJ. While it is true that an affordable project requires the township committee to authorize the full costs of such projects, it does *not* require them to borrow that money. Instead, it is typical for towns to receive grants to cover all or most of the actual costs of these projects.
One example is a highly regarded, fully “green” project in Madison. It is 100% affordable housing and was partially paid for through a federal grant funded by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, who is currently running for Governor. "These 44 apartments are not only affordable but also built to the highest clean energy standards, meaning lower utility bills, cleaner air, and a healthier community…This project shows what’s possible through strong local partnerships and a collective commitment to ensure families in our community have a place to call home,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill. The development was funded through the Federal Community Project Funding, secured by U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill, alongside contributions from (various other organizations).
The Madison project is a shining example of what smart, hard-working, dedicated public servants can do through strong cooperative partnerships.
So, as the township committee urged constituents to “research the two gubernatorial candidates' positions on affordable housing and development before the November election, ” I do as well. I encourage Montville Township to recognize who already has and will continue to bring effective, forward-thinking leadership to our township and our state on November 4th.
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