The Ventnor City Council’s meeting on June 30th tackled issues around affordable housing compliance, focusing on the adoption of a housing element and fair share plan. Tiffany A. Coullio, responsible for veterinary planning services, presented the details of the city’s housing strategy, which spans from 1987 to 2035 and includes a total obligation of 60 credits, with an outstanding need for 10.5 credits. The plan identifies existing facilities like Shalom Towers and two group homes, contributing to this credit requirement.

To address the remaining shortfall, the city proposed a citywide overlay ordinance mandating a 10% to 20% affordable housing set-aside for new developments of ten or more multifamily units. The ordinance aims to provide reasonable opportunities for fulfilling housing obligations, applicable to sites under current zoning or those being rezoned, deliberately excluding existing developments or approved redevelopment plans. This strategic approach was designed to prevent potential lawsuits from builders who might exploit the city’s obligations, thus threatening to override local zoning laws.

Concerns about potential legal challenges, particularly builder’s remedy lawsuits, were highlighted during the meeting. These lawsuits could allow developers to bypass local zoning by proposing developments with affordable housing set-asides, compelling municipalities to comply with proposed plans. Such scenarios have previously impacted other municipalities, including Brigantine, which had to implement an overlay district to counter legal challenges. The city’s historical context was referenced, with Ventnor’s third-round obligation originally set at 171 units, later reduced to 19 units through negotiation.

Financial considerations regarding the affordable housing plan were also addressed. Development fees were identified as a potential funding source for affordable housing programs, reducing the reliance on taxpayer dollars. These funds could be allocated toward various initiatives, including administrative costs associated with managing the affordable housing framework. The plan also requires a 30-year commitment for any rental units developed under this initiative.

The council proceeded to adopt resolutions related to the affordable housing plan, including a petition to the state of New Jersey for the adoption of the housing element and fair share plan. These resolutions received unanimous support from council members. Another resolution concerning the municipal housing trust fund and its spending plan was also passed.

The resolutions, once signed, would be submitted to Julie Hirs for state filing.