Proposed Removal Of Age Restrictions In Homes Opposed In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — A bill introduced in New Jersey Legislature drew criticism from the Berkeley Township Council, who voiced their opposition at a recent meeting.

Senate bill S2537 and its Assembly companion bill A4106 would require age-restricted communities to sell without regard to the age of the buyer.

"It's just a reach for more money," said Council President Sophia Gingrich.

Introduced in late spring by Sen. Troy Singleton and Assemblywomen Yvonne Lopez and Angelica M. Jimenez, the bills are currently awaiting hearings.

This is a topic that has been brought up before, and was addressed by the Council in March, where they overwhelmingly voted in support of 55-and-older communities in town. Read More: Berkeley Council Votes To Support 55+ Communities

State law currently requires someone buying a home in an age-restricted community to certify it will be occupied by a person whose age allows the community to comply with the federal law governing those communities, even if the home's new owner would be under the age limit. Associations are allowed to reject resales to those who do not fit the age restriction.

Federal law allows senior communities as an exception to the anti-discrimination measures in the Fair Housing Act, as long as quotas are maintained of age-appropriate people who live there. A 55-and-older community must have at least 80 percent and one individual per household be over 55.

Councilman Michael Signorile, a frequent supporter of Berkeley's senior communities, said that "this time, they're really overstepping."

"Basically what they're doing is they're taking strength away from homeowners and they're putting it in the hands of the state," he said. "And really, when something's running right, why try and fix it? Just leave it alone."

"There's no reason to set up another program," Gingrich said.

"This is just, once again, Trenton's overreach," said Mayor Carmen Amato, who has repeatedly affirmed his support of Berkeley's seniors, adding that "there was no need for this."

"I stand united with our 55 plus communities in opposition to the strict overreach once again," Amato said. "And we will do whatever we can to oppose it and try to kill the bill."

Other communities in Ocean County, such as Manchester, with heavy senior populations announced their opposition to the bill as well. Read More: Removal Of Age Restrictions On Home Resales Opposed In Manchester