October 19 — Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith and Cranford Mayor Tom Hannen met with Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, the incoming president of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, to discuss various legislative solutions to the current court-driven affordable housing process.

All three Mayors understand the need for affordable housing and are dedicated to providing affordable housing in their communities for low and moderate-income families, seniors, millennials, veterans, and those with special needs and other groups. However, it is clear we need to pursue legislative reforms to make the process fairer for municipalities and prevent overdevelopment. The current court-driven process has created challenges in the areas of infrastructure, public transportation, schools, traffic, open space, and safety that are not adequately being addressed.

This is the beginning of a bipartisan effort of Mayors in conjunction with the New Jersey League of Municipalities to propose legislation that will provide affordable housing in an efficient and effective manner while allowing Mayors to guide the process for their towns and regions.

All three Mayors stand ready to work with the Governor, State Legislature, other Mayors, and residents to develop bipartisan legislative solutions.