WILDWOOD CREST ─ As Election Day drew near in the Crest, borough leaders reached a settlement with Fair Share Housing Center in Cherry Hill. A direct result of the Mt. Laurel Decision, municipalities throughout New Jersey must provide a certain number of low-income housing.
“It’s been a huge issue,” Mayor Carl Groon told the Herald Nov. 6. Working “behind the scenes,” the Crest administration has actively sought a solution beneficial to the borough.
According to Groon, the borough participated in a consortium comprised of other municipalities working with the court system and a settlement was reached.
An attorney represented the Crest and, according to Groon, the borough participated in researching options and established new guidelines.
When asked where the housing would exist, Groon replied that three or four options are available, but final details are yet to be determined. Rehabilitating vacant rentals is a likely option.
Groon added “redoing” zoning in the business district is also a possibility.
“This is good news,” said Groon.
Instead of providing units in the hundreds, the settlement provides for approximately 42 units.
According to Borough Administrator Constance Mahon, the settlement provides for the Crest not having any developable land for Fair Share, thus canceling the obligation to build.
Mahon said the administration is “thrilled” with this aspect of the court’s decision.
Although fair housing poses challenges for various communities across the state, Groon said the borough worked with the court system and believed the new number to be an improvement.
The fair housing settlement resolution passed unanimously Nov. 1 during a commissioners’ meeting.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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