S-4451, which clarifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan is scheduled for a vote on Monday’s Senate Session.
The League raised several concerns with the sponsor, principally, because the legislation makes the housing element a mandatory element and the bill is effective immediately. The implication is that every current master plan could be deemed to non-compliant with the statute, forcing the immediate revision of hundreds of master plans.
The new legislation will seemingly require municipalities to completely reassess and revamp their master plans to accommodate the new housing requirements. It will require the expenditure of significant resources to have the appropriate professionals go out into the municipalities to assess the current plans and changes that will need to be made, as well as to create further plans regarding, for example, transportation and access.
The League has engaged with interested parties to address concerns and find a workable solution, which we believe this legislation fails to accomplish. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to your Senators prior to Monday’s Senate vote to register your objection to this legislation.
A-5667, the Assembly companion, has been referenced to the Assembly Housing Committee and has not yet been scheduled for consideration.
Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.