Statewide housing association unveils report on obligations following NJ Supreme Court COAH decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) today released a guide to implementing the New Jersey Supreme Court’s March 2015 decision on fair share housing. Developing Effective Municipal Housing Plans aims to help advocates and nonprofit community developers usher in a new era of housing planning and municipal collaboration.
“NJ’s affordability crisis is evident across our state,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “We see it in the foreclosure signs throughout our neighborhoods, the lines at area food pantries and families doubling up in homes to make them affordable. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling will help build more affordable homes and alleviate the crisis. This guide gives advocates and developers the information they need to engage towns in this effort.”
Developing Effective Municipal Housing Plans spells out what steps municipalities must take, opportunities for public comment and influence, and judicial proceedings that may be anticipated. The guide begins with a brief history of the Mount Laurel doctrine and concludes with findings of recent research and case studies of the impacts of affordable home development. In addition, the guide identifies compliance mechanism options as well as an update on municipal housing trust funds which are used to fund affordable home development. The Network’s website will continue to be updated to reflect new information and examples as the court’s move forward with this process.
“Nonprofits and municipalities achieve success when we collaborate, and that means a stronger economy for all of us,” said Blair Schleicher Bravo, chief executive officer, Morris Habitat for Humanity. “In North Jersey alone, community development corporations generated $4.2 billion for the local economy through the production of 650 developments since 1989. As result, communities had increased financial investment and expanded choices for New Jersey residents.”
Professional planners David N. Kinsey and Vito Gallo along with Fair Share Housing Center contributed to the report which was funded by Together North Jersey, an initiative funded in part through a Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“The Court’s decision on fair share housing has reinvigorated the Mount Laurel doctrine,” said Kinsey. “The Network’s new guide will help those committed to creating more affordable homes for families, seniors, and people with special needs to participate effectively in shaping the municipal housing elements and fair share plans that will spell out where, when, and how needed affordable homes will be built throughout New Jersey in the coming years.”
To access Developing Effective Municipal Housing Plans, visit www.hcdnnj.org/njfairhousing.
About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.
For more information: Nina Arce
(609) 393-3752 x1200
Website: hcdnnj.org
Twitter site: twitter.com/hcdnnj
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