April 5, 2017

2, 2017. The Township would commit $3 million from its Affordable Housing Trust Account to subsidize 40 of the 55 affordable units. If the Board chooses to approve the changes, the Master Plan Housing Element and Fair Share Plan would be amended to incorporate this particular development to ask for the 55 units of credit plus bonuses to count as compliance with COAH regulations. In response to inquiry from Mr. Dwyer, Mr. Grygiel confirmed that the Township was currently involved in COAH litigation and if this plan was adopted the units would be counted as part of the consideration. Mr. Grygiel stated the project also made good planning sense; it was close to transit, jobs, stores and services. It should also help with revitalization of the Valley area. Councilwoman McCartney stated the Fair Share Housing Center sent the Council an obligation of 1,362 units for the Township and a subsequent 30% reduction of that number; the Township was also currently in mediation regarding a development application, and there was no vacant land, there would also be credit for those factors. She stated the Township would satisfy its affordable housing obligation although the exact number was still unknown. Mr. Keigher asked if the number of 55 units could change; Mr. Grygiel stated it could, but that would mean another amendment to the plan; it would have to come back before the Board. Mr. Weston asked how the amendment would fit in to the current Fair Share Plan, would it just become appended. Mr. Grygiel stated that at this time it would just be appended. Ms. Bishop would prepare a fully revised Fair Share Plan but not until settlement discussions were completed. He noted that the rules had changed significantly since 2008. Mr. Weston stated the plan seemed to be a positive step forward for the Township in terms of expanding its commitment to low income housing; Mr. Grygiel concurred. Chairman Bagoff asked if the Township had any idea how close it was to the number it was obligated to provide. Mr. Dwyer stated the number quoted had been provided by the Fair Share Housing Center; the Courts would determine the final number. Mr. Grygiel stated that whatever the final determination, the Township would still claim credits for all units to date including all group homes constructed, the Prism development, a few other completed projects; the 55 units would also be included.

ination, the Township would still claim credits for all units to date including all group homes constructed, the Prism development, a few other completed projects; the 55 units would also be included. The Township would not be starting from zero. Chairman Bagoff asked if Mr. Grygiel would describe low-income and moderate-income housing; it was his understanding that this type of neighborhood would attract Police, Fire, EMTs, and young college graduates. Mr. Grygiel stated that Affordable Housing was based upon regional limits set by the laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey. Essex County was Region 2; the average was determined by the combined medium income of the County, and then broken up by household size. A moderate- income unit would be affordable to persons earning 80% or less of the medium average; a low-income unit would be affordable to persons earning under 50% or less or regional medium income. Persons had income to qualify for the units - public sector workers, service industry employees, etc. He reiterated that all moderate and low-income housing was for working persons who were unable to afford market rate housing in this part of the State. Mr. Eben stated other developments were pending in the Township, including one recently seen at the Site Plan Review Advisory meeting, also the Highlands. He asked if those developers were required to provide affordable housing units. Mr. Grygiel stated the Township’s current ordinances do not provide for a formal set-aside of affordable units. The current ordinance provided for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund — the 1.5% set aside. However, the Courts had been clear that for any new development, municipalities should set aside 15%-20% of affordable units. For all new developments going forward in the Township (and elsewhere in the State), developers would be obligated to provide a portion of their units to moderate and low income housing or make some sort of contribution to otherwise address the 4