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]