A primary focus of the meeting was the proposal to calculate rent increases using a percentage of the CPI, specifically suggesting 75% instead of the full 100%. This proposal emerged from concerns that while the CPI has shown consistent growth, wage increases within Middlesex County have lagged significantly, creating affordability challenges for residents. The disparity between wage growth and rent increases was a key point, with data indicating that while the CPI hovers around 4%, average wage growth has been only about 0.5%. This mismatch raises the risk of displacement for residents as rental costs continue to outpace income.

The absence of specific CPI data for Highland Park further complicated the discussion, as board members acknowledged the reliance on broader regional data. This limitation underscores the difficulty of tailoring rent control measures to local needs. The board members and public participants stressed the long-term implications of allowing rent increases to be directly tied to the full CPI, as it could exacerbate the financial strain on residents. A more nuanced approach, such as using a percentage of the CPI, was suggested as a potential solution to mitigate inflation impacts on the community.

The meeting also delved into the topic of vacancy decontrol, whereby landlords can raise rents to market rates when a unit becomes vacant. Concerns were raised that this practice could lead to a tiered housing system, effectively pricing out students and working individuals. The potential for a revolving tenancy system was proposed as a solution, allowing groups of tenants to maintain leases despite individual departures, thus preventing abrupt rent increases. This approach could stabilize housing costs and provide mutual benefits for both tenants and landlords by reducing advertising and vacancy-related costs.

Additionally, the board discussed drafting a memo for the council, summarizing the feedback and views expressed during the meeting. The memo aims to reflect a range of perspectives rather than a single unified stance, recognizing the board’s advisory role. The timeline for this memo’s completion was emphasized, with plans to reconvene to review the draft before submission.

Public engagement also played a role in the meeting, with several residents voicing their opinions and concerns. Jessica Henderson expressed appreciation for the board’s volunteer efforts but raised issues regarding the conduct of the board’s attorney. Kate Stevens recommended a 2024 report on rent control in New Jersey, highlighting its informative graphics and advocating for maintaining vacancy decontrol to allow tenant mobility. Meanwhile, Selena shared personal challenges related to securing affordable housing under current vacancy laws, emphasizing the impact on community continuity.