NJ may change affordable housing rules
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
By: Phil Gregory
philgregorynews@gmail.com
New Jersey lawmakers are considering a measure that would change affordable housing rules in the state.
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The Council on Affordable Housing now makes sure that local governments honor a state Supreme Court order to provide affordable housing for low and moderate income residents.
Proposed legislation would abolish that board and permit local officials to decide how many affordable units to build. Kevin Walsh, the Associate Director of the Fair Share Housing Center, says the change raises constitutional concerns.
Walsh: This bill would hand the discretion to exclude hardworking families from New Jersey's wealthiest communities. It's a non-starter from what ourstate constitution requires.
Sponsors of the legislation say towns cannot afford the costs to comply with current regulations. It's not clear when lawmakers will vote on the bill.