Senate Republican Leader Tony Bucco expressed skepticism about Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed affordable housing initiative.
“Without sound planning, it’s going to be a disaster,” Bucco told NJ Spotlight News’ Briana Vannozzi. “Work with the people that are on the ground who are going to have to absorb this housing.”
The governor’s proposal, as expressed in his speech:
“This year, I am calling on the Legislature to reform our state’s zoning and permitting laws, with a number of proposals led by Senator Troy Singleton and his colleagues, so we can make it easier to build new housing in the communities where it’s needed most.
“By cutting red tape and easing outdated restrictions, we can build potentially thousands of new, affordable housing units over the next decade.”
More from Bucco and assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio here.
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Insider NJ recently reported on New Jersey State Senator Anthony Bucco’s doubts regarding Governor Phil Murphy’s affordable housing initiative. The initiative, which aims to increase the availability of affordable housing in the state, has faced criticism from Bucco and other lawmakers.
Bucco, a Republican representing Morris County, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the affordable housing initiative on local communities. He argued that the initiative could lead to overdevelopment and strain local infrastructure, such as schools and roads. Bucco also raised questions about the funding mechanism for the initiative and whether it would be sustainable in the long term.
Governor Murphy’s affordable housing initiative is part of his broader efforts to address the state’s housing affordability crisis. New Jersey has one of the highest housing costs in the country, making it difficult for many residents to find affordable housing. The initiative includes measures to increase the supply of affordable housing, such as providing incentives for developers to build affordable units and expanding rental assistance programs.
Despite the concerns raised by Senator Bucco and other lawmakers, Governor Murphy has defended his affordable housing initiative as a necessary step to address the state’s housing affordability crisis. He has emphasized the importance of providing affordable housing options for all residents, including low-income families and individuals.
The debate over Governor Murphy’s affordable housing initiative highlights the challenges of addressing housing affordability in New Jersey. As the state continues to grapple with high housing costs and limited supply of affordable units, policymakers will need to find solutions that balance the need for affordable housing with concerns about overdevelopment and strain on local infrastructure.