The Fair Share Housing Center has warned 16 New Jersey towns that they may lose immunity from developer lawsuits if they do not revise their affordable housing plans by December 31, 2025. The center claims these towns have failed to comply with state law and could be forced to accept high-density developments if they lose their legal protection. The towns include Belmar, East Greenwich, Florham Park, Franklin Lakes, Hanover, Lyndhurst, Madison, Montvale, North Arlington, Park Ridge, Rockaway, Roxbury, Saddle River, Summit City, Toms River, and West Windsor.
Why was the warning issued
- The Fair Share Housing Center is challenging the compliance of these 16 municipalities’ affordable housing plans with state law.
- According to the center, the towns’ plans are not sufficient to meet their affordable housing obligations.
- Towns with valid, compliant housing plans are immune from “builder’s remedy” lawsuits, which can force them to approve development projects.
- The center wants the towns’ immunity revoked, which would put them at risk of losing control over how and where affordable housing is built.
What happens next
- The challenges filed by Fair Share are currently in mediation.
- The 16 towns have until the end of 2025 to make changes to their plans to comply with the law.
- If disputes are not resolved by then, they will go to an expedited court proceeding in early 2026.
- Final housing plans and ordinances must be in place by March 15, 2026.