TOMS RIVER, NJ – New Jersey Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra have voiced strong opposition to a Democrat-sponsored bill to reform the state’s affordable housing laws. The bill, known as A4, passed along party lines and seeks to address New Jersey’s housing crisis by abolishing the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and introducing a new mechanism intended to shield municipalities from builders’ remedy lawsuits.
However, McGuckin and Kanitra argue that the proposed changes will exacerbate existing issues, increasing housing costs and property taxes, particularly affecting suburban and rural areas.
McGuckin, representing Ocean County, criticized the bill for lacking a comprehensive approach to associated public policy challenges such as transportation, water quality, employment, and education. He advocates for a reevaluation of the state’s approach to housing development, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development as a precursor to new construction.
The legislation proposes the establishment of a $16 million Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program under the Department of Community Affairs, which, according to Republicans, could impose over $65 billion in obligations on suburban taxpayers over the next decade.
Kanitra, also from Ocean County, highlighted the bill’s failure to acknowledge New Jersey’s geographic diversity and the specific needs of its residents. He pointed out the potential for increased development pressure on communities without considering their size or capacity to accommodate new housing. Kanitra further criticized the bill for not addressing New Jersey’s high property tax burden, arguing that it would worsen the cost of living and property taxes without offering practical solutions.
The assemblymen’s stance reflects a broader debate on how to effectively address affordable housing in New Jersey while balancing the needs of diverse communities and managing the state’s high cost of living and tax rates.