by Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President

In March 2024, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed historic legislation to revamp how municipalities across the state are required to meet mandated affordable housing quotas. The new system, aimed at addressing New Jersey’s shortage of more than 200,000 affordable homes, calculates local obligation using key factors including job growth, existing affordability, land availability, median household income, and more.

Under the new regulation, towns had until January 31 to adopt the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) guidance or propose their own calculation, and until June 30, 2025, to finalize plans to reach the target number of affordable homes. Of New Jersey’s more than 564 municipalities, 440 met the January 31 deadline. While most of those municipalities agreed with the DCA calculation, 158 of the respondents are claiming a modification to the DCA calculation – most of which are based on the amount of developable land.

Though litigation and negotiation will undoubtedly play out across New Jersey over the next several months, and maybe longer, this process shows the state is serious about putting a meaningful dent in its affordable housing shortfall.

Affordable housing initiatives can transcend a mere “check-the-box” approach. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy – and by embracing thoughtful planning, innovative design, and meaningful community engagement, municipalities can create tailored housing solutions that not only honor their obligation but also deliver a valuable community asset.

Below we have outlined several examples of how Pennrose has worked closely and collaboratively with local towns to deliver housing solutions tailored to meet their individual needs and neighborhood framework.

Truman Square:

Pennrose partnered with the Township of Edison to develop Truman Square, a 170-unit, high-quality affordable rental community for families, veterans, and individuals with special needs. This 100% affordable development met UHAC requirements and made a significant contribution to Edison’s Round 3 affordable housing obligation.

Truman Square successfully transformed a portion of the historic Camp Kilmer military base, which was the largest processing center for troops during World War II, into a vibrant, resilient housing community. What was previously an underutilized site was given a second life to better serve the individuals, families, and neighbors who call Edison home.

Weinberg Commons:

In Cherry Hill, Pennrose and the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey created the award-winning Weinberg Commons, a 160-unit affordable housing community for adults 55+ and individuals with special needs.

The energy-efficient project features one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with special needs suits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All residents have access to on-site community amenities, including a fitness center and computer lab, along with robust wraparound supportive services and programming.

Weinberg Commons was developed with the shared vision of creating high-quality housing for older adults to age comfortably within the community where they have lived and worked, and create an opportunity for adults with special needs to live close to family support systems in a service-rich environment. The development was able to fulfill a portion of Cherry Hill’s affordable housing obligation with some of the senior and some of the special needs units.

Residences at Harper

In addition, Pennrose is currently working closely with Moorestown Township to help meet the need for more affordable rental options with Residences at Harper. Anticipated to open this spring, Residences at Harper is a 76-unit UHAC compliant housing community for families at 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The single, four-story building at the intersection of East Gate Drive and Harper Drive will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments along with a full menu of on-site amenities and supportive services to ensure the highest quality living experience for future residents.

At the building’s grand opening in April 2024, Mayor Nicole Gillespie said, “This new development will provide much-needed homes for working families who form the backbone of our community and demonstrates Moorestown's commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive place to live for people of all means and backgrounds.”

After more than 50 years as an impact-driven affordable housing developer, we’ve seen first-hand how high-quality housing can positively impact families, neighborhoods, and entire communities for the better. New Jersey’s new affordable housing quotas shouldn’t be considered a burden, but rather an opportunity.