N.J. town faces backlash from residents for affordable housing plan – NJ.com

Ramsey Borough Introduces Overlay Zones to Address Affordable Housing in Line with SDGs

Overview of Proposed Ordinances

The Ramsey Council has introduced two ordinances to establish new overlay zones aimed at fulfilling the borough’s affordable housing requirements. These zones would permit multi-family buildings, townhouses, and garden apartments, with a mandate that at least 20% of the units be designated as affordable housing.

The proposed overlay zones cover a section of Island Road, including Ferguson Place and North Franklin Turnpike, approximately between Madison Avenue and Lake Street.

Community Response and Public Concerns

• Prior to the council meeting, about a dozen letters opposing the plan were received.
• More than a dozen residents voiced concerns during the public comment period.
• Residents expressed worries about potential impacts on property values, increased traffic, and changes to neighborhood character.
• Concerns were raised about the timing of the plan’s announcement and the possibility of developer pressure on homeowners.
• Community members emphasized the existing diversity and cohesion of neighborhoods such as Ferguson Place and Island Road.

Mayor’s Statement and Clarifications

Mayor Deirdre Dillon addressed misinformation surrounding the ordinances and outlined the borough’s affordable housing obligations, emphasizing compliance with state mandates.

Key points included:

1. The borough must create overlay zones near mass transit and highway corridors, as recommended by the borough’s planner, Burgis Associates.
2. Ramsey’s affordable housing obligation for the next ten years (the fourth round) was initially set at 450 units but adjusted to 26 units due to the borough’s fully developed status.
3. These 26 affordable units are already planned across three projects, including six special needs residences on Island Road and developments at 40 North Franklin Turnpike and 1 Constantine Drive.
4. No affordable units are required to be built within the Island Road overlay zone for compliance.
5. The borough does not intend to pursue eminent domain or seize any properties; development decisions remain with current property owners.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The introduction of overlay zones supports the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements by promoting affordable housing options.
• By focusing development near transit corridors, the plan encourages sustainable urbanization and reduces reliance on private vehicles.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• Setting aside at least 20% of units as affordable housing directly addresses poverty reduction by increasing access to adequate housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The plan fosters social inclusion by integrating affordable housing within diverse neighborhoods, supporting equitable access to community resources.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The transparent process, including public meetings and mayoral clarifications, promotes inclusive decision-making and community engagement.

Next Steps and Deadlines

The Ramsey Council is scheduled to vote on the adoption of the overlay ordinances at its meeting on March 4, 2026.

All New Jersey municipalities must submit their affordable housing plans to the state by March 15, 2026, to maintain immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits.

Mayor Dillon warned that failure to meet this deadline could result in developers building without regard to local zoning, potentially undermining community planning efforts.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article discusses affordable housing development within a borough, addressing urban planning and community sustainability.
   • Focus on zoning, housing diversity, and community impact aligns with SDG 11’s aim to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Affordable housing requirements aim to provide access to adequate housing for low-income groups, directly contributing to poverty reduction.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Ensuring affordable housing units and special needs residences supports reducing inequalities within the community.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article highlights governance processes, public participation, and legal frameworks related to housing ordinances and community planning.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 11 Targets

   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning.

2. SDG 1 Targets

   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services such as housing.

3. SDG 10 Targets

   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race or other status.

4. SDG 16 Targets

   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to Affordable Housing

   • Number of affordable housing units required and built (e.g., 450 units obligation, adjusted to 26 units in Ramsey).
   • Percentage of units set aside as affordable housing in new developments (at least 20%).
   • Number of special needs residences constructed (e.g., six special needs residences on Island Road).

2. Indicators Related to Urban Planning and Zoning

   • Creation and adoption of overlay zones near mass transit and highway corridors.
   • Community participation levels in public comment periods and response to ordinances.
   • Compliance with state deadlines for affordable housing plans (e.g., March 15, 2026 deadline).

3. Indicators Related to Governance and Legal Frameworks

   • Number of builder’s remedy lawsuits filed or avoided.
   • Degree of adherence to zoning ordinances regarding density, height, setbacks, and parking.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nj.com