FOR IMMEDAITE RELEASE

Office of the Mayor

Borough of Dunellen

355 North Ave

Dunellen, NJ, 08812

March 8, 2024

Open Letter to the Residents in Opposition to Bill A4 and S50

Dear Residents,

I write to you today with concern regarding the recent developments in Trenton. On February 12th, the New Jersey Assembly passed Bill A4, which aims to abolish COAH and reform municipal responsibilities concerning affordable housing. This decision has far-reaching implications for our community, lessening our municipalities sovereignty over zoning laws, and I feel compelled to address its potential consequences.

Since the inception of this legislation, I have stood alongside fellow mayors on both sides of the political aisle and like-minded organizations in opposition. Its passage threatens to disrupt our community’s ability to effectively manage affordable housing obligations, endangering the progress we have made in promoting equitable and balanced development and preserving the unique character of Dunellen. We have been successful to date in making sure we meet our current local obligation while ensuring we maintain downtown Dunellen’s charmful and quaint characteristics.

Affordable housing is critical for the well-being of any community.  It provides a sense of security and opportunity for those in need. As a borough, we acknowledge the importance of ensuring that all residents have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing and we have worked hard to ensure development projects meet our current obligation for affordable housing. However, such initiatives must be implemented with careful consideration, considering the unique characteristics and needs of each town. This should include community planning, public input, and collaboration to meet the housing and community needs. For instance, any obligation should include provisions that allow the local governments to prioritize the needs of their own senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and lower-income residents. This will allow us at the front lines to help provide housing for those most in need within our own communities while also offering those within our region who may be seeking affordable housing opportunities in Dunellen.

Simply put, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution that Trenton is making it out to be. The process needs to be slowed down and the State Legislature needs to make sure they have mayors and other local officials who set and implement these mandates sitting at the table to help shape legislation.

The passage of Bill A4 underscores the need for continued advocacy and vigilance. I call upon the New Jersey Senate to refrain from advancing the identical Bill S50.  I have personally reached out to our 21st legislative delegation regarding this legislation and they have expressed that they too share my concerns. On March 4, 2024, I presented the Dunellen Borough Council Resolution 03-04-2024: #98 which outlines the above considerations and requests that the State slow down this process and simply not fast-track this legislation. The Council approved the resolution and I have sent it along with a letter outlining our concerns to our legislative delegation, the Governor, the Senate President, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the sponsors of the legislation.

As your Mayor, I pledge to remain actively engaged with our state representatives, advocating for the best interests of Dunellen. We must stand united in opposition to measures that don’t respect our community’s well-being and continue working tirelessly to protect our Borough’s future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Jason F. Cilento

Borough of Dunellen, New Jersey