These Monmouth, Ocean towns either fight or ignore NJ affordable housing obligations – Asbury Park Press
These Monmouth, Ocean towns either fight or ignore NJ affordable housing obligations Asbury Park Press
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Affordable Housing in New Jersey
Introduction
Some 40% of Monmouth and Ocean County towns in New Jersey are resisting the state’s newly calculated affordable housing obligations, according to a review by the Asbury Park Press. These towns are proposing to build fewer units than assigned or are opting out of the program altogether. Officials argue that the state’s calculations are incorrect and fail to consider the limited availability of developable land.
Challenges Faced by New Jersey Towns
New Jersey towns had until January 31st to pass a resolution either accepting or challenging their affordable housing obligations for the next decade, as determined by the Department of Community Affairs. Failure to pass a resolution could result in lawsuits from builders or advocates, potentially forcing towns to build higher-density housing.
Participation and Results
Out of the 86 municipalities in Monmouth and Ocean counties, 51 accepted the state’s calculations, while 16 passed resolutions contesting the calculations. Another 19 towns did not pass a resolution, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits. Statewide, over 76% of municipalities participated in the process, a 25% increase from the previous round.
Towns’ Own Calculations and Litigation
Several towns, including Marlboro, Brick, Stafford, and Pine Beach, submitted their own calculations, which differed significantly from the state’s. These discrepancies could lead to legal challenges and require resolution by the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program. Other towns, such as Lavallette and Middletown, decided not to pass a resolution and are prepared to face potential lawsuits.
Towns’ Responses to Affordable Housing Obligations
Monmouth County
- Aberdeen
- Eatontown
- Hazlet
- Holmdel
- Howell
- Manalapan
- Marlboro
- Neptune
- Tinton Falls
- Wall
Ocean County
- Brick
- Jackson
- Little Egg Harbor
- Pine Beach
- Stafford
- Toms River
Towns Without Resolutions
Monmouth County
- Deal
- Interlaken
- Loch Arbour
- Long Branch
- Middletown
- Roosevelt
- Shrewsbury Township
- Union Beach
- West Long Branch
Ocean County
- Bay Head
- Beachwood
- Eagleswood
- Island Heights
- Lavallette
- Mantoloking
- Ocean Gate
- Point Pleasant Beach
- South Toms River
- Tuckerton
Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter at the Asbury Park Press. He has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry since 1999. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The issues highlighted in the article are related to affordable housing obligations and the provision of fair share of affordable housing for those with moderate and low incomes. These issues are connected to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the issues are also connected to SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty, and SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are related to ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing (SDG 11.1), reducing poverty (SDG 1.2), and promoting social and economic inclusion (SDG 10.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of affordable housing units built by each town
- Proportion of population living in poverty
- Level of social and economic inclusion in housing policies
The article mentions the number of affordable housing units proposed by each town as a response to the state’s calculations. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the target of ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing (SDG 11.1). The article also discusses the impact of housing prices on middle-class households, which can be an indicator of the proportion of population living in poverty (SDG 1.2). Additionally, the article highlights the towns’ calculations and their inclusion in the decision-making process, which can be an indicator of the level of social and economic inclusion in housing policies (SDG 10.2).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Number of affordable housing units built by each town |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. | Proportion of population living in poverty |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Level of social and economic inclusion in housing policies |
Source: app.com
