New Jersey Affordable Housing Plan Denied

"The 2004 rules called for towns to build one affordable home for every eight new market-rate homes, and one for every 25 new jobs created - an approach known as 'growth share.'"

"Housing advocates noted that this approach does not take into account a town's current need for affordable housing, and argued that towns could restrict low-income housing by passing ordinances to restrict growth. The court agreed."

"Housing advocates, who argue that the state needs 650,000 affordable homes, also said the state greatly underestimated the need in the 2004 plan. The court agreed with that as well, ordering the state to recalculate."

"The Council on Affordable Housing said in the 2004 plan that 140,000 homes were needed, but 60,000 families would be able to get housing on their own as homes became cheaper over time. The court found that housing has not gotten cheaper, and said the council's reasoning 'defies comprehension.'"