Neighbor News
Gillespie & Donnelly statement on affordable housing lawsuit
Candidates react to Moorestown Township Council's loss in affordable housing lawsuit, say Council's missteps responsible
On November 2, 2018, Burlington County Superior Court Judge Ronald Bookbinder granted summary judgement against Moorestown Township and in favor of Moorestown residents, who challenged Council’s rezoning ordinance that would have allowed for developing affordable housing at the proposed Pennrose site on Route 38 near Fellowship Road. Moorestown Council Democratic candidates Brian Donnelly and Nicole Gillespie issued the following statement with respect to the judge’s ruling:
“Today’s decision by Judge Bookbinder reinforces that our current Council, under Republican leadership, continues to demonstrate poor planning in managing our affordable housing obligation, including the Pennrose site. The Township did not follow the law required for rezoning, which the Judge considered “fatal” to the ordinance and led to its being rejected in court. Moreover, the same lack of planning has led to multiple lawsuits, leaving the affordable housing issue still unsettled. Remarkably, Republicans on Council have repeatedly argued on record that no backup plan has been developed, and one Republican Candidate in this year’s race has stated their belief that Moorestown could not have planned for our affordable housing obligations. These comments reflect a profound and concerning lack of proactivity on what is a major issue for our town.
The lost time and money, and the burden placed on residents who are being forced to litigate this issue due to lack of long-term vision and planning are unacceptable. When elected, we promise to be transparent with residents, seek professionals who can capably manage our affordable housing obligation, and be proactive - not reactive - in our Township’s planning to implement that obligation.”
