March 25, 2009
Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9), Senator Christopher J. Connors (R-9)
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt all voted “No” on legislation (S-2577/A-3772) recently considered by both Houses of the State Legislature that would permit the conversion of age-restricted housing units to non-age-restricted housing units and would modify laws concerning affordable housing.
In addition to their own deep concerns over the bill, the 9th District Lawmakers opposed the measure in response to objections raised by constituents and local municipal bodies. Connors, Rumpf and Van Pelt issued the following statement regarding their “No” vote:
“While it would not impact existing age-restricted communities, it is our belief that this legislation would undercut existing zoning and land use regulations, thereby taking control of this process out of the hands of local governing bodies. This will undermine the ability of our local communities to determine the best zoning needs of their towns.
“Furthermore, this legislation doesn’t take into account higher density. With age-restricted homes, there is the expectation of less people living on the property. Undoubtedly, this figured into municipalities’ decisions to approve construction of these developments. If these properties are allowed to be converted and occupied by larger families, there will be a greater demand for public services to accommodate the population increase and demographic changes. This would create the pressing need for, among other things, more schools to be built and costly infrastructure upgrades. As a consequence, homeowners could see their property taxes increase in order to pay for such services.
“For these and other substantive reasons, our Delegation totally opposed this legislation and voted No. Regretfully, this legislation was approved by both Houses, achieving only the minimal number of votes for final passage and has been sent to the Governor’s desk for signature.”
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