'Disastrous': Council Opposes Removal Of Age Restrictions In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township officials are again throwing their support behind age-restricted communities and opposing a proposed bill that they say would be "disastrous" for them.

At a recent meeting, the Berkeley Township Council voiced their opposition to Assembly bill A4106, which would allow underage homeowners in 55-and-older communities, of which Berkeley has many.

If this sounds familiar, it is because the Council last month opposed the bill's Senate companion, S2537. Read More: Proposed Removal Of Age Restrictions In Homes Opposed In Berkeley

"That would be disastrous in these communities," Councilman Michael Signorile said of allowing sales to homeowners younger than 55.

Signorile said that the real problem lies with the fact that under the proposed law, underage homeowners would be able to sit on the Board of Directors in these communities.

"They would not have the best interest of the seniors at heart," he said.

While both bills are awaiting hearings in their legislative committees, Signorile said this is the time to make sure lawmakers know that they are opposed.

"We don't want to wait until they get a running start," he said.

"We've been fighting this battle now, I'll say probably for four years," said Council President Sophia Gingrich.

"We want it stay the way it is," she said.

Gingrich said that the Council would keep fighting and take it to the Supreme Court if needed, as Mayor Carmen Amato previously said. Read More: Berkeley Council Votes To Support 55+ Communities