Core Viewpoint - West Orange is facing a "builder's remedy" lawsuit due to its failure to meet state-mandated affordable housing quotas, which has been attributed to inaction from the town council [2][5][6]. Group 1: Affordable Housing Quotas - New Jersey has released a new round of affordable housing quotas that municipalities, including West Orange, must meet over the next 10 years [2][5]. - West Orange missed the deadline to submit its Fair Share Housing Plan, which was due by June 30 [5]. Group 2: Builder's Remedy Lawsuit - The builder's remedy lawsuit allows developers to bypass local zoning laws to build higher-density residential projects, provided they include a certain number of affordable housing units [6]. - The town is now forced to negotiate land use applications without the protections of a certified plan due to the lawsuit [6]. Group 3: Town Council Actions - The town council discussed the possibility of challenging the state's quotas during their meetings, ultimately voting 4-1 to approve the state's calculations [3]. - An executive session presentation on an affordable housing plan is scheduled for the town council meeting on July 22 [7].
West Orange Is Facing ‘Builder Remedy’ Lawsuit, Mayor Says
West Orange, NJ Patch·2025-07-17 17:37