Statement by NJ Public Advocate Chen on Council on Local Mandates affordable housing decision

New Jersey Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen’s statement on the decision today by the Council on Local Mandates. Chen participated in oral arguments before the Council today.

Earlier today, the Council decided against the Township of Medford’s complaint that both the recent amendments to the Fair Housing Act and the new COAH rules require the municipalities to spend money on affordable housing without sufficient state appropriations to cover the anticipated costs.

“I am gratified that the Council recognized that it is not the appropriate forum in which to decide a township’s constitutional obligations to provide a reasonable opportunity for affordable housing under the Mount Laurel decisions,” said New Jersey Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen.  “That issue has been and is being litigated in the courts and the courts will make that determination.”

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