Jersey City Planning Board approves affordable housing Master Plan amendments

The Jersey City Planning Board reviewed the city’s fair share affordable housing obligations and proposed Master Plan amendments.

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

According to the Fair Share Housing Center, in New Jersey, the obligation to create affordable homes is recalculated every 10 years, what they are currently referring to as Round Four. The details were announced in December.

“Those obligations are determined by looking at the growth of low- and moderate-income households in the various regions of the state, producing an individualized requirement for affordable housing in each municipality,” their website says.

“Towns are encouraged to engage in the process and create their own fair housing plans that realistically zone for their fair share of affordable housing.”

Board attorney Santo Alampi explained that the the Round Four housing plan will span the next decade, from 2025 through 2035.

Housing consultant Elizabeth McManus noted that the fourth round begins in July, continuing that a state agency reviews such plans for approval. She added noted each town has different requirements and categories.

For example, Jersey City is a qualified urban aid municipality.

“The city does not have a new construction obligation, just rehabilitation … This city has thousands of affordable housing units,” McManus said.

According to her, Jersey City needs 3,733 units rehabilitated according to the NJ Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), also clarifying that they want to rely on existing affordable housing units to serve as the required housing units.

These were points made by Assistant Corporation Counsel John McKinney during Monday’s caucus.

McManus further stated that the city does have an ongoing low-to-moderate income owner-occupied homes rehabilitation program and has budgeted money for it, which can help with different repairs – including roofing issues and removing lead paint.

She also made it a point to say that she was not there to suggest new zoning provisions.

Commissioner Edwardo “Joey” Torres noted they have been in compliance since they have sought ways to increase affordable housing in the city.

“You’ve done a lot of the hard work already by creating these units,” McManus concurred, also noting that existing public housing units count as well.

“There’s some really great data in here … We’re happy to comply with this obligation,” exclaimed Supervising Planner Matt Ward.

“Thank you for the work … I’m very glad Jersey City has been on top of it,” Torres said before voting yes.

“ … I think this is advancing Jersey City to the next level,” Acting Chair Vidya Gangadin asserted.

The Jersey City Planning Board approved the measure unanimously (5-0).

On Monday, the Jersey City Council added a last-minute resolution to their upcoming meeting agenda, seeking to endorse the planning board’s actions related to the Fair Share Housing Center’s plan.