Mayor Donna Garriglia opened a recent Morris Township meeting by emphasizing the importance of community engagement and transparency in local governance. The meeting focused on the pressing issue of affordable housing, a significant challenge in New Jersey, where housing costs are among the highest in the nation.

Garriglia highlighted the complexities surrounding affordable housing and the township's commitment to educating residents on the topic. She introduced municipal planner Paul Phillips, along with affordable housing attorney Steve Warner and planner Elizabeth Lahaney, who would provide insights into the evolving landscape of affordable housing laws.

Warner outlined the historical context of affordable housing in New Jersey, referencing the landmark 1975 New Jersey Supreme Court decision in the case of Southern Burlington NAACP vs. Mount Laurel Township. This ruling established the \"Mount Laurel doctrine,\" which mandates that municipalities cannot engage in exclusionary zoning practices that prevent low-income families from accessing housing. Warner explained that local governments are required to plan and zone for their fair share of affordable housing needs.

The meeting aimed to clarify the new state laws regarding affordable housing and discuss compliance strategies to ensure Morris Township meets its obligations while avoiding potential legal challenges from developers. The session concluded with an invitation for public questions, reinforcing the township's commitment to transparency and community involvement in addressing this critical issue.