Core Points - A "builder's remedy" lawsuit has been filed regarding the former Mayfair Farms property in West Orange, NJ, following the township's failure to submit its Fair Share Housing Plan by the June 30 deadline [3][4][5] - The lawsuit allows developers to bypass local zoning laws to build higher-density residential projects, contingent on including affordable housing units [6] - West Orange is required to provide 409 "present need" units and 660 "prospective need" units over the next decade according to state regulations [6] Political Dynamics - Mayor Susan McCartney has accused the town council of inaction leading to the lawsuit, while council members have countered that the mayor is responsible for missing the deadline [5][8] - The council members claim they were only informed of the lawsuit after it was filed, indicating a lack of communication from the mayor's office [9] - The council asserts that the mayor has the sole authority to propose contracts and that the responsibility for the affordable housing plan lies with her [11][12] Project Details - The lawsuit proposes the construction of 421 new housing units on the Mayfair Farms site, including 82 affordable units and a 41-unit bonus, totaling 123 affordable unit credits [10] - This proposed development would fulfill over 15% of West Orange's Fourth Round "prospective need" obligation of 660 units [10] Next Steps - An executive session presentation on an affordable housing plan prepared by Heyer Gruel & Associates is scheduled for the town council meeting on July 22 [13]

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].