Senate Republican Leader Tony Bucco expressed skepticism about Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed affordable housing initiative.

“Without sound planning, it’s going to be a disaster,” Bucco told NJ Spotlight News’ Briana Vannozzi.  “Work with the people that are on the ground who are going to have to absorb this housing.”

The governor’s proposal, as expressed in his speech:

“This year, I am calling on the Legislature to reform our state’s zoning and permitting laws, with a number of proposals led by Senator Troy Singleton and his colleagues, so we can make it easier to build new housing in the communities where it’s needed most.

“By cutting red tape and easing outdated restrictions, we can build potentially thousands of new, affordable housing units over the next decade.”

More from Bucco and assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio here.