Latest NJ affordable housing ruling could spark action

Gov. Chris Christie and some lawmakers are publicly saying that the state government needs to find a new way to make sure New Jersey has enough affordable housing.

The calls for legislative action are coming on the heels of this week’s state Supreme Court ruling that is putting affordable housing under control of judges instead.

The Republican governor and Democrat-controlled Legislature reached an impasse on affordable housing four years ago.

Christie vetoed a bill setting up affordable housing requirements, saying it would have given towns obligations that were too high. He supported an approach that would require towns to set aside 10 percent of new homes for low- and moderate-income people.

Housing advocates say towns could avoid any obligation by not allowing any home building.