The Senate Economic Growth Committee will hear testimony today on S-1 (Lesniak), which would revolutionize the way New Jersey generates affordable housing and eliminate the complex rules established under COAH by disbanding the Council entirely.
The bill would require municipalities to include zoning ordinances that provide a reasonable opportunity for low- and moderate-income residents to attain housing. However, it would substitute COAH's command-and-control style with one that recognizes the diversity of tools and available land in New Jersey's 566 municipalities.
The bill would also authorize 70+ previously agreed to Regional Contribution Agreements.
The Committee will not vote on the bill today, as it is posted for discussion only.
The State Supreme Court has ruled that the New Jersey Constitution requires each municipality to provide a reasonable opportunity for housing options for low- and moderate-income residents. COAH has been in effect for 25 years, but managed to produce only 50,000 units of affordable housing. We applaud Senator Lesniak for his willingness to simplify the system and wholly remake an agency that has become a burden to individuals, business and advocates alike.
Update: At the conclusion of today's discussion-only hearing, Senator Lesniak announced that Senate action could occur as early as this month.
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