Controversial Housing Bill Advances in NJ

A law requiring New Jersey towns to ensure 10 percent of new units are affordable now awaits a vote by the State Assembly.

1 minute read

November 10, 2010, 5:00 AM PST

By Lynn Vande Stouwe


Towns would also have the option of dedicating 20 percent of new development to residents earning up to 150 percent of the regional median income. Residential developers looking to avoid the quota could pay a penalty equal to 3.5 percent of development costs, which the town must then use towards future affordable housing projects. The law would also abolish the state Council on Affordable Housing.

Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto the legislation if it passes, taking issue with another fee targeting commercial developers, writes Matt Friedman:

"While Christie supports abolishing the council, he opposes the bill's 2.5 percent fee on commercial development to help pay for affordable housing. The bill temporarily does away with the fee - which is currently in effect because a moratorium on it expired in July - but phases it back over the course of five years."

Monday, November 8, 2010 in The Star-Ledger

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

3 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

4 hours ago - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

5 hours ago - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

6 hours ago - CNU Public Square