Chatham Township Prepares Fourth Round Affordable Housing Resolution

Obligations are set in accordance with state law, and final details are subject to downward adjustments.

CHATHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ – Today, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Chatham Township Committee will adopt a resolution memorializing the Township’s Fourth Round (2025–2035) Affordable Housing obligations, as required under New Jersey’s Fair Housing Act (FHA). This step marks the beginning of a months-long process to finalize the Township’s Housing Element and continue meeting its constitutional responsibilities under the Mount Laurel Doctrine.

Background

Mount Laurel Doctrine: Mandates all New Jersey municipalities offer realistic opportunities for the creation and rehabilitation of affordable housing.
COAH Dissolution: Since 2015, municipalities have worked directly with the courts and abided by the Fair Housing Act for compliance.
Fourth Round Deadline: By January 31, 2025, municipalities must adopt a binding resolution acknowledging their affordable housing obligations and then file a declaratory judgment action to confirm those commitments.

Chatham Township’s Fourth Round Obligations

Present Need (Rehabilitation of Existing Properties): 30 units
Prospective Need (New Construction): 141 units

The Township will not necessarily build 141 units outright; these obligations are subject to downward adjustments, including:

Vacant-land adjustments based on Township-specific developable land
Bonus credits for certain types of housing
Credits from previous rounds
Availability of water and sewer service

Drafting the Fourth Round Plan

Over the next several months, the Township’s professionals will prepare the Fourth Round Housing Element (“Plan”), detailing how these obligations will be met and adjusted. According to the FHA, the Plan must be adopted and endorsed by June 30, 2025. Throughout the process, the Township Committee will seek input from residents and stakeholders, with the goal of balancing a diverse, vibrant community and fulfilling its fair share of affordable housing.

Consequences of Noncompliance

Failure to meet FHA deadlines and complete the Plan could expose the Township to “Builder’s Remedy” lawsuits, in which developers gain discretion over the Township’s future affordable housing planning. The township committee prioritizes avoiding these costly and restrictive legal measures.

Public Engagement

Residents are encouraged to:

Attend Township Committee meetings and provide feedback
Email questions or comments to the Township Clerk at glaconte@chathamtownship.org

These contributions help ensure a balanced approach that protects the community’s quality of life while satisfying state requirements. Up-to-date information on the Township’s Fourth Round Affordable Housing process will be posted at www.chathamtownship.org/affordablehousing.