Harrison Accepts Affordable Housing Numbers Amid Statewide Dispute

The Mayor & Council of Harrison, New Jersey, have officially accepted the affordable housing numbers promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) under the 2024 Fair Housing Act. This acceptance comes despite an ongoing legal battle by municipalities across the state who are challenging the constitutionality of the Act.

Governor Phil Murphy who signed the new law, the 2024 Fair Housing Act, into law in March of 2024  exempted the Town of Harrison from the requirement to construct new affordable housing units. Instead, the town rehabilitates 257 rental units to meet its affordable housing obligations. This decision has been met with relief from Mayor James Fife and the council members, as it alleviates the need to build Affordable Housing in Harrison.

Exemptions Spark Controversy

However, Harrison’s and other municipalities' exemptions have sparked controversy, leading to a lawsuit involving 27 municipalities against the DCA. These towns argue that the 2024 Fair Housing Act unfairly distributes obligations by exempting certain municipalities, thereby increasing the burden on others. This issue stems from the historical backdrop of the Mt. Laurel decision. This landmark New Jersey Supreme Court case aimed to ensure municipalities bore a fair share of affordable housing responsibilities.

No Apartment Rehabiliation Plan In Place.

During the public session of the Town of Harrison’s Reorganization meeting held on January 21, 2025, Mayor Fife was asked about the planned apartment rehabilitation efforts. Harrison's Town Clerk, Paul Zarbetski, answering for Mayor Fife admitted that the town currently lacks a specific program for apartment rehabilitation. In addition, Zarbetski stated that previous attempts have faltered due to economic feasibility issues, such as mandatory upgrades to meet current housing codes and rent reductions after rehabilitation.

Should Exemptions Exist?

This scenario raises pressing questions about the effectiveness of affordable housing policies and their implementation. Should towns like Harrison be required to construct new affordable housing despite exemptions? Are the municipalities not exempted justified in their belief that this creates an uneven playing field? Moreover, considering the historical challenges, can the Fife Administration successfully rehabilitate the mandated 257 units without a solid plan in place?

As legal challenges continue to unfold, the debate over affordable housing in New Jersey remains heated and unresolved. The outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for housing policy and municipal responsibilities throughout the state.

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