$6M Bond Ordinance Introduced For Affordable Housing In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — At the regular meeting earlier this week, the Borough of Chatham Council approved a $6 million bond ordinance to fund a "grant for the development and construction of affordable housing."

According to council documents, the ordinance will fund the construction of a 15-unit, all-affordable rental facility adjacent to Bowers Lane by Bergen County United Way.

"It is anticipated that the Borough will receive funds from various funding sources for the provision of the aforesaid affordable housing units," the ordinance said.

During public comment, Bob Weber, a candidate for borough council, inquired about the $6 million bonding ordinance and whether the land was "granted" to the developer.

"The first section of the ordinance talks about granting, what I assume is the land for the project, I'm not quite sure what that means. Does that mean it is a long-term lease, does that mean we are actually donating the land in perpetuity," Weber said.

Weber further asked the council why the cost had increased for the proposed project. When the council initially chose the project in April, the estimated cost was between $500,000 and $1.5 million, according to Weber.

"I know when you're rolling it out at that early stage that you're not going to have an entirely accurate figure, but I was a little surprised when I read the proposed ordinance that you are looking to bond almost $6 million," Weber said.

Due to the advice of counsel, Mayor Kobylarz declined to comment on Weber's inquiries. "I cannot say anything more than I have already said. I've been advised in the strictest terms by our attorney and we will just have to leave it at that," Kobylarz said.

The ordinance will be voted on for adoption at the next council meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 11.