June 15, 2010

Re:  S-1 Scheduled for Assembly Hearing, Thursday, June 17, 10 AM

Dear Mayor:

S-1, which passed the State Senate, last Thursday, is now scheduled for consideration, alongside its Assembly companion A-2930, by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.   The hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, June 17 at 10 am.

A summary of S-1 is posted online at: http://www.njslom.org/letters/SCS-s1-summary060710.pdf and more information is available in our June 9 Dear Mayor letter. 

Since the Senate passage of S-1 last week, we have fielded a number of questions regarding the bill.   One common misconception we have heard repeatedly is a concern that some municipalities are exempted by the legislation, while others are not.    This contention is misleading, since no municipality is exempt under S-1.   Specifically, S-1 defines a criterion for “inclusionary municipality.”  Regardless of whether a municipality meets one of the criteria or not, it is under a 10% set-aside prospective obligation.   If a municipality meets a criterion, it should submit documentation to DCA to demonstrate this and will need to pass an ordinance enabling the 10% set-aside moving forward.    If a municipality does not meet the criteria, it has the option to submit a plan to DCA as to how it will meet its obligation going forward, or designate 20% of its developable land for workforce housing, of which 10% of that housing set-aside for low and moderate income housing.   

Questions can be directed to Mike Cerra at mcerra@njslom.com or 609-695-3481 x120.

Very truly yours,

 

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director