Sea Isle Addresses Affordable Housing Obligations

SEA ISLE CITY – At its regular meeting Nov. 14, Sea Isle City City Council discussed the current situation with its affordable housing obligations. The discussion was prompted by consideration of a resolution on the agenda regarding approval to authorize execution of a settlement agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center in Cherry Hill to address the city’s affordable housing obligations. 
Business Administrator George Savastano explained, “The city has been working for some time to develop a plan to meet our affordable housing obligations as required by state law. Without a court-approved plan, the city would be vulnerable to what is called a builder’s remedy lawsuit, which basically allows a developer to file suit for the opportunity to construct housing at higher densities than permitted by the zoning in place. 
“Because of the actions we’ve taken thus far, we have immunity from such a suit. To retain that immunity, we need to adopt a housing plan which ultimately provides for the opportunity to build affordable housing.”
Savastano continued, “The city has been working with a contracted planner over the past couple of years on this matter, and the plan being proposed includes an overlay zone over certain commercial districts that, on a standard lot, would allow an extra residential market rate unit in addition to an affordable unit (affordability is established by formulas determined by the state) in addition to what is currently permitted. The proposed plan also provides for the opportunity to build age-restricted housing in certain locations.
“There are still several steps that must be taken before the plan is finalized. The agreement must still be approved by the court, following a fairness hearing scheduled for Dec. 1. After that, the finalized plan will have to be approved by the Sea Isle City Planning Board and city council, followed by the enactment of appropriate zoning ordinances.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.