Township Committee adopts Fourth Round affordable housing compliance package

Township Committee · Meeting of March 10, 2026

NJ MONTVILLE — Montville adopts fourth round affordable housing package in reversal on Diversified project. The Committee unanimously approved six ordinances and 26 resolutions establishing the township's compliance framework, including zoning overlays reducing the Route 202 development to 154 units and the Changebridge Road overlay to 88 units, plus a spending plan, affirmative marketing policy with veteran's preference, and administrative manuals. Mayor Frank Cooney explained the shift: the township had fought the Diversified project through courts but faced state mandate and builder's remedy threat if it refused to create adequate affordable units, potentially opening the door to far greater multi-family development.

Assemblyman Brian Bergen detailed how state law had transformed affordable housing from a "reasonable opportunity" to a mandatory obligation, leaving municipalities unable to control site selection. Jane Mowles was appointed Municipal Housing Liaison to oversee the township's affordable housing administration for the 10-year Fourth Round period.

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Source: the Township Committee meeting of March 10, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.