The premise, which most people likely will buy into, goes like this:
- For far too long, New Jersey’s restrictive local zoning laws have stood in the way of housing production, limiting affordable housing choices
- New Jersey has a shortage of rental homes, approximately 200,000 short;
- New Jersey has a median home sale price of $575,000 – one of the highest in the country;
- All of this is driving up costs for both renters and buyers, and reinforcing patterns of racial and economic segregation.
Zoning reform is a key lever for change that can unlock affordable housing choices, but that’s easier said than done.
The Great Homes and Neighborhoods for All initiative — a statewide, pro-housing collaborative — is working to change this.
It has assembled a committee of a diverse cross-sector of advocates and industry professionals, including affordable housing advocates; representatives from planning, smart growth, transportation, and disability support service organizations; builders, and architects.
Together, the committee is urging the Legislature to take action on state-level policy changes that would:
- Allow for the construction of accessory dwelling units — smaller homes often referred to as “in-law suites” or “backyard cottages” — which offer housing solutions for aging family members, an adult child with a disability, young adults just starting out, or older adults seeking to downsize;
- Jumpstart the redevelopment of vacant or underutilized office parks and shopping centers into housing, which would increase the availability of homes near jobs and revitalize blighted commercial properties;
- Reduce or eliminate the number of parking spaces required at residential developments near public transportation, which ultimately allows for the production of more homes, preserves trees and green space, and reduces pollution; and
- Invest in an enhanced Transit Village Program to incentivize transit-oriented development that includes affordable housing, which would help towns create vibrant transit neighborhoods across New Jersey.
“Too many New Jerseyans are struggling to find an affordable, stable place to call home in communities that meet their needs,” Peter Kasabach, the executive director of New Jersey Future, said.
“Smart growth is about building welcoming, vibrant neighborhoods where everyone, regardless of income or background, can live and thrive. To get there, we must fix the outdated zoning and permitting rules that hold us back. Through the Great Homes and Neighborhoods for All’s zoning reform agenda, we’ve outlined real, practical solutions. Now it’s time for the Legislature to act and help every town build a more inclusive and hopeful future.”
Zoe Baldwin, VP of state programs at the Regional Plan Association, agreed.
“New Jersey needs more homes, in more places, for more people, and the Great Homes and Neighborhoods for All initiative is exactly the kind of thoughtful, broad-based effort we need to get there,” she said. “Regional Plan Association is proud to support the GHNA zoning reform campaign and our collective commitment to advancing affordability, equity, and housing choice.”
Tariq Witcher, managing director of external affairs at the Fair Share Housing Center, said it’s crucial for New Jersey policymakers to reform our outdated zoning laws to build on the success of the Mount Laurel framework and tackle the housing crisis.
“This campaign’s policy priorities are vital opportunities to advance smart growth, increase access to affordable housing, and support more inclusive economic development across New Jersey,” he said.
