By Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. a New Jersey Zoning Attorney
A New Jersey appellate court has reinstated the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing. That’s a shame.
A chronic lack of affordable housing caused by local zoning ordinances and the New Jersey property tax system— puts the future economic vitality of this state in jeopardy. Local zoning laws are the culprit. Because of this, the legislature created a failed agency called COAH.
Gov. Chris Christie’s administration has said some $30 million will be used statewide to assist those with special needs and the homeless, of course subject to local zoning laws.
Local needs still will be mandated to provide affordable housing, yet they’ll have fewer means at their disposal to do so.
The need for affordable housing has escalated. An estimated 62 percent of New Jersey renters can’t afford apartments at the fair market rate. Nearly one-quarter of households in the northern New Jersey region are the working poor.
To be competitive in attracting companies to do business here, we need to find a way to make affordable housing for these workers to live here.
Contact me personally today to discuss your zoning law matter. I am easy to talk to, very approachable and can offer you practical, legal ways to handle your concerns. You can reach me toll free at (855) 376-5291 or e-mail me at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com/.