Summit Republicans Bungled Affordable Housing

Summit Republicans Bungled Affordable Housing

First, they gambled on a bad plan.
Then, they negotiated a new plan and kept it a secret.
Now, the details are out and residents are outraged.

Let me explain how the Fagan Housing Settlement came about:

In June, 2025 then-Council President Mike McTernan and Councilmembers Delia Hamlet, Kevin Smallwood, Bob Pawlowski, and Jamel Boyer voted in favor of an affordable housing plan. That plan relied on a fringe legal theory and claimed Summit only needed to build one unit of affordable housing in the next ten years. This extreme position was quickly challenged by two developers and Fair Share Housing Center. So they negotiated with developers and Fair Share behind closed doors for several months. The new plan agreement was filed on December 23, 2025.

Republicans kept the filing a secret from the public, unlike Westfield officials, who made their plan available and discussed it at a Council meeting. Mayor Fagan chose to not mention this public document when she delivered her State of the City address just a few weeks ago. Let’s be clear: last year’s Republican majority could have shared the plan before they left office. To say otherwise is an outright lie.

Now, the details are out in the open. Entire neighborhoods will change with hundreds of new apartments. From River Road to the old firehouse site, to East Summit and downtown, large-scale projects are planned. The Summit Democrats support affordable housing, veteran housing, and believe that Summit should be more accessible and affordable. But planning must always involve the neighbors.

Summit voted for change in the last two elections. At the February 3rd Council meeting, the new Democratic Council majority showed they are already keeping their promises to listen, be honest with the community, and be transparent as we navigate the path forward.

Please watch the Council meeting, read the information available on the City website, and share your thoughts and ideas with our elected officials. Thank you.

Greg Vartan, Chairman
Summit Democrats