The number of affordable-housing units is set by the state’s Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). For Harrison, the number is 306.
The Harrison Township Committee announced during its Jan. 21 meeting that it will approve the fourth round of required affordable-housing units set by the state’s Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
The number of units required for Harrison – to be designated areas around the township – is set at 306. The motion to approve the fourth round of the units was approved by the committee through a resolution; members had the option of appealing, but chose not to.
“We as a committee decided not to appeal the number of units depicted by the state for multiple reasons,” said Mayor Adam Wingate. “One being we have immunity against any possible builders to remedy a lawsuit. Another reason being that I felt using resources and taxpayer money to fight the number wouldn’t change the outcome.”
The approval decision was made based on the suggestion of township professionals, among them the law firm of Maley Givens. He was appointed to the position via another resolution approved at the meeting. That measure involved only approval of a unit number from the state, not any plans to implement the application of those lots.
The deadline to fulfill and finalize the obligation is Monday, June 30. The areas of Mullica Hill that would be designated for affordable housing and the size of the lots have yet to be determined. Past areas included the large open field on Cedar Road, near Pleasant Valley Elementary School, and portions of the Richwood area.
Wingate promised to inform residents of the matter as the June date gets closer.
“I’m preparing an email explaining what COAH is exactly, in a simple format for the residents,” he said. “I believe the residents need to be educated on it and the effects it has on our town.”
The next Harrison Township Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m.
