Trenton Democrat Leadership Silent as Chorus of Opposition Grows
Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-Bergen) called upon Trenton Democrats to reverse course and abandon their new subsidized housing law as the groups of officials calling for a change in policy has grown to include local Bergen County Democratic officials.
Economic Crisis, Questionable Requirements and Conflicting Reports Add to Confusion of Tomorrow’s Deadline
Senators Andy Ciesla (R-10) and Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-16) are calling for an extension of tomorrow’s deadline requiring municipalities to finalize their plans to meet the latest round of housing obligations from the state.
New Report Further Demonstrates Need to Delay December 31 COAH Deadline
A new report on global warming issued by the Corzine Administration this month has only added to the mass confusion caused by a number of conflicting policies affecting development and growth that have been simultaneously championed and enacted by Governor Jon Corzine in recent years. The Draft Global Warming Response Act Recommendation Report, issued on December 15, 2008, represents the Administration’s long-term plan to address global warming. The report includes recommendations for smart growth and housing development.
Confusion Mounts As Housing Policies Contradict Pinelands Environmental Goals
Senator Phil Haines (R-Burlington) called upon the Corzine administration to finally recognize that the new COAH housing policies are causing widespread confusion, and agree to requests by a bi-partisan group of legislators to delay implementation of the law until corrective legislation can be drafted.
Extension Supported by Republican Leader Tom Kean
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset, Morris) introduced legislation that would expand the timeline for municipalities to file affordable housing plans with the Council On Affordable Housing (COAH). By allowing the filing extension, the bill S-2448, will provide the Legislature with time to fix the substantive errors in the COAH regulations and laws.
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset) issued the following statement regarding the Council On Affordable Housing’s (COAH) refusal to consider a request by Assembly Speaker Roberts and Chairman Green of the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee to extend the filing deadline for municipalities to submit their housing plans to COAH. The current deadline in December 31, the speaker and the Chairman requested that it be extended by 90 days.
Senator Phil Haines, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, called on Governor Jon Corzine to provide a full accounting of the monies routed through the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC).
Editorial by Senator Sean T. Kean
Affordable housing is a public policy goal that deserves attention from lawmakers at all levels of government.
For one thing, the inability to afford a home is preventing many of our young people from staying in our state after graduation. It is also forcing many seniors to sell their houses and move out of state. We need homes for them in communities close to their families.
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-District 16, issued the following call to action after listening to angry mayors, city council members and municipal officials at the New Jersey League of Municipalities convention on Wednesday:
Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, sponsor of Senate Bill 2292 to reform unworkable “affordable” housing regulations, announced that the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services estimates the annual unfunded cost to communities of complying with these rules will be as much as a $2 billion.
