Belleville’s Affordable Housing Obligations: 324 New Units by 2035
During the Belleville Town Council meeting on January 28, 2023, the council accepted the latest affordable housing requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This resolution involves adding 324 units of local affordable housing between the years 2025 and 2035.
The State’s Affordable Housing Calculations
In October 2022, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs released the “Round Four” obligations for all towns and cities in the state. The calculations for affordable housing quotas include numbers for “present need” and “prospective need.”
Present need refers to the number of existing housing units deemed substandard or deficient and in need of repair. Prospective need is based on population trends and the number of new units that will be required.
Meeting the Quotas: Options for Belleville
Municipalities are not required to create the housing units themselves but must ensure that the threshold is met. This is often done by requiring affordable housing units as part of local real estate development projects.
However, some municipalities, including Millburn and Cedar Grove, have joined a lawsuit with several other New Jersey towns seeking to overturn the law. The lawsuit has faced multiple defeats in court.
Alternative Solutions
Advocates have suggested other ways to meet the affordable housing threshold without allowing large apartment buildings to spring up around town. Some acceptable ways include:
- Rehabbing old housing units
- Creating “100 percent affordable” projects
- Allowing property owners to create “accessory dwelling units”
Effect on Belleville Residents
As a resident of Belleville, you may notice an increase in affordable housing development projects in the coming years. These projects could include new apartment complexes, rehabilitated housing units, or accessory dwelling units.
Effect on the World
On a larger scale, the affordable housing requirements in New Jersey and other states contribute to addressing the national housing crisis. By ensuring that a certain percentage of housing units are affordable, more individuals and families can access safe, affordable housing, reducing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Conclusion
The Belleville Town Council’s acceptance of the latest affordable housing requirements from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs means that the town will be responsible for adding 324 units of affordable housing between 2025 and 2035. While some municipalities have challenged the law, Belleville and other towns will need to find ways to meet their quotas. This could include rehabilitating old housing units, creating “100 percent affordable” projects, or allowing property owners to create “accessory dwelling units.” As a resident, you may notice an increase in affordable housing development projects in the coming years. On a larger scale, the affordable housing requirements contribute to addressing the national housing crisis and reducing homelessness and housing insecurity.
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