In the first of what is expected to be several challenges to the regulations adopted by the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), the New Jersey League of Municipalities has filed a lawsuit challenging the “third round” regulations adopted on June 2, 2008.

The suit, which was announced at a press conference on Tuesday morning, alleges that the recently-adopted rules are flawed and place an unfair burden on property taxpayers to pay for the construction of affordable housing. League Executive Director William Dressel stressed that the challenge only encompasses the regulations and not the legislative amendments to the Fair Housing Act (A-500) which are expected to be signed into law by Governor Corzine on Thursday.

According to League Assistant General Counsel Edward J. Buzak:

We take this action today in support of achieving a sustainable affordable housing policy and in defense of our property taxpayers. We hope that the end result will be a methodology that encourages the participation of local governments, accommodates and promotes the development of affordable housing and does so in a manner consistent with local and State planning efforts.

For the Star Ledger article, click here.