“Affluent, suburban towns opposing affordable housing mandates is nothing new – same story, different day. What is incredibly offensive, beyond using taxpayer dollars to fund this politically-driven, superfluous lawsuit, is the attempt to use the legal process to intentionally delay our affordable housing laws – not by weeks or months, but years.
“The hardworking residents and families of this state cannot wait years for affordable housing to become available. They simply don’t have that luxury.
“Every single day, my office receives calls from people – parents, recent grads, veterans, seniors, disabled – who are struggling to find a place to live, to pay their rent, or to stay in their current home. This is not anecdotal, and it is the unfortunate reality in every corner of this state.
“We are in a housing crisis and the numbers don’t lie. Home prices and rents are at an all-time high in New Jersey, and there isn’t nearly enough inventory to meet demand.
“Further, to say that our urban communities have been omitted from affordable housing obligations is not true, and not at all accurate. Many of these communities have already historically produced more affordable housing stock than their suburban counterparts, so instead, they must now work to rehabilitate those units.
“Playing politics with people’s housing – a basic, human necessity – is simply shameful. Rather than waste time and taxpayer dollars on needless lawsuits, I would encourage these mayors to use our new law as a tool that can help them meet – not dodge – their long overdue affordable housing obligations.”
In a recent statement, Mayor John Singleton criticized a lawsuit that has been filed against affordable housing laws in New Jersey. The lawsuit, which was filed by a group of developers, challenges the state’s affordable housing requirements and seeks to overturn them.
Singleton, who has been a vocal advocate for affordable housing in his community, expressed his disappointment with the lawsuit, stating that it undermines the progress that has been made in providing affordable housing options for low-income residents. He emphasized the importance of affordable housing in creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and stressed that efforts to dismantle these laws are harmful to those who rely on affordable housing for their basic needs.
The lawsuit comes at a time when affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of New Jersey, as rising property values and gentrification push out low-income residents. Singleton pointed out that affordable housing laws are essential in ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of their income level.
In response to the lawsuit, Singleton vowed to continue fighting for affordable housing in his community and urged other local leaders to join him in opposing any efforts to roll back these important protections. He emphasized the need for collaboration and unity in addressing the affordable housing crisis, and called on all stakeholders to work together to find solutions that benefit everyone.
Overall, Singleton’s criticism of the lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by advocates for affordable housing in New Jersey, and underscores the importance of protecting and expanding affordable housing options for all residents. As the debate over affordable housing laws continues, it is clear that leaders like Singleton will play a crucial role in defending these vital protections and ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.