Politics & Government
Jefferson Poised To Oppose Bill Bypassing Local Affordable Housing Zoning
Jefferson's resolution argues the bill ignores carefully crafted master plans and undermines local decision-making on land use.
JEFFERSON, NJ — The Jefferson Township Council is expected to vote Wednesday on a resolution formally opposing S-1836, a state bill that would allow religious and nonprofit organizations to convert certain properties into mixed-use inclusionary developments with affordable housing — a process the township argues bypasses local planning and zoning authority.
The resolution calls the proposal "an egregious assault on municipal autonomy and local decision making," arguing it would allow increased density and building heights without requiring developers to engage the public through the standard land use process.
The township's objection centers on the bill's affordability threshold: under S-1836, only 20 percent of units in a converted development would be required to be affordable, with the remaining 80 percent at market rate. Jefferson officials argue that threshold is insufficient, particularly as municipalities across the state have already moved to fulfill their fourth-round affordable housing obligations.
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"A worthy project could, and should, participate in the local planning and zoning process to engage with the public," the resolution states.
Jefferson officials noted the council has been working to comply with the sweeping changes to fourth-round affordable housing law enacted in 2024, and that recent legislative proposals — including measures to allow accessory dwelling units, reduce parking near transit, and enable conversion of underutilized properties — have cumulatively undercut the careful planning process established under the Municipal Land Use Law.
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If approved, the resolution would be forwarded to Gov. Mikie Sherrill, state Sen. Anthony Bucco, Assemblywomen Aura Dunn and Marisa Sweeney, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.
The council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Jefferson Township Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.
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