On Thursday, key legislative leaders and their staffers met to discuss potential changes to the current affordable housing laws in New Jersey. Whether driven by the dismal economic climate or the fact that both the Governor and State Assembly are up for election in 2009, and the recent amendments to the Fair Housing Act, along with the newly adopted state affordable housing regulations, are drawing bi-partisan ire from local elected officials, some of the details that have leaked out include the potential for a six-month extension of the December 31, 2008 deadline for municipalities to file their affordable housing plans with the Council on Affordable Housing (“COAH”), approval of regional contribution agreements (“RCA”) which were in the works when legislation signed in July all but abolished the use of RCAs and further changes to the way affordable housing obligations will be addressed by municipalities and builders.
According to the Star Ledger:
Senators Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), who is pushing for the changes, huddled with Gov. Jon Corzine, his aides, and Assembly Speaker Joseph Robert (D-Camden) at the Statehouse on Thursday. He said he is confident there will be compromise to alter a landmark affordable housing law that was signed in July.
“The only thing I can say is we are pushing for a reform law that would actually get affordable housing built and not drag down the economy,” Lesniak said. “Hopefully, we can get something done before the holidays.”
Lesniak and Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset) are preparing legislation that would allow some pending “regional contribution agreements” where cities get paid by suburban towns to take on part of their affordable housing obligations. The agreements in question involve about 17 cities and towns.
Bateman said they want to see Corzine agree to at least a six-month extension on the deadline for towns to come up with new affordable housing plans. Both Corzine and Roberts indicated they are open to an extension.
To view S-2500, introduced by Senator Bateman on October 20 of this year, which includes provisions which may form the basis for several of the reforms which are apparently being discussed, click here.
For the full article from the Saturday Star Ledger click here.
