NJ governor proposes plan to abolish COAH
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is moving to abolish the Council on Affordable Housing.
The Republican governor submitted a reorganization plan to the state Legislature Wednesday that would do away with the controversial agency that determines communities’ obligations to provide housing for lower income residents. Its functions would be transferred to the Department of Community Affairs.
New Jersey courts have ruled that towns are obligated to provide housing for lower-income people. The Council on Affordable Housing, or COAH, was formed to implement those rulings, but many municipal officials have criticized its work.
The Legislature has 60 days to act if it wants to block the move.
Fair Share Housing Center, a Cherry Hill-based advocacy group, blasted Christie’s plan, saying he’s allowing municipalities to exclude working and low-income families.
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