Hillsborough Township has made an important decision about its affordable housing obligations.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) had initially calculated that the township needed to provide 565 affordable housing units.
However, after reviewing the data, the Township Committee decided to lower this number to 270.
This decision was made after analyzing the available land and development capacity to better reflect the township’s actual situation.
The DCA’s original number was based on data from 2020, which included some properties that are no longer available for development.
Thus, Hillsborough officials worked with consultants, planners, and legal experts to develop a more accurate figure.
They determined that 270 units would be a more reasonable obligation for the township.
This reduction in affordable housing units also affects the overall number of housing units that will be built.
Hillsborough requires 24% of new developments to include affordable housing, so to meet the 270-unit requirement, the township will need to build about 1,100 housing units over the next ten years.
So, the township will average around 110 new units per year.
Meeting this new number was a priority for Hillsborough because the township needed to pass its affordable housing resolution by January 31.
The deadline was critical to avoid builder remedy lawsuits, which allow developers to bypass local zoning laws if a town fails to comply with affordable housing requirements.
After approving the resolution on time, Hillsborough has avoided legal challenges and retained control over its development plans.
Nonetheless, the process is not complete yet.
In February, there will be a challenge period when other parties can review and potentially dispute Hillsborough’s proposed number.
After that, the state will issue the final affordable housing obligation on April 1.
Once the final number is confirmed, the township will begin preparing its Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, which must be adopted by June 30.
At the same time, Hillsborough officials are working to balance the need for affordable housing with the township’s overall character.
Committeewoman Samantha Hand emphasized the importance of providing housing for people of all income levels.
She also highlighted the need to ensure that new developments do not negatively impact the township.
For example, officials want to avoid school overcrowding, traffic congestion, and sewer system overloading.
These concerns are shared by many residents, who generally support affordable housing but worry about large-scale developments.
Committeeman Shawn Lipani pointed out that mandates from the state often do not take local challenges into account.
Hillsborough’s decision to revise the numbers reflects its effort to meet state requirements while protecting the community’s character and infrastructure.
This affordable housing decision comes as Hillsborough begins 2025 under new leadership.
John Ciccarelli was sworn in as mayor, and Catherine Payne was elected deputy mayor.
Ciccarelli, who has lived in Hillsborough for 24 years, has extensive experience in engineering, construction, and local government.
He has served on several township boards, including the Planning and Open Space Advisory Board.
He is also known for his involvement in community sports, particularly as a former president of the Hillsborough Soccer Club.
As mayor, Ciccarelli has outlined several priorities for the year ahead.
These include improving infrastructure, managing the township’s finances, preserving open space, and pushing for progress on key projects like the Route 206 plan.
The new deputy mayor, Payne, has also expressed her commitment to serving the community and working with residents to address local challenges.
While there is still work to be done, Hillsborough’s decision to lower its affordable housing obligation is a step toward balancing the community’s needs with state requirements.
