Council endorses fourth‑round affordable‑housing mediation settlement and awards contract to local housing center; one abstention

The Franklin Township Council on April 8 endorsed a fourth‑round mediation settlement that establishes the township’s affordable‑housing obligation for the 2025–2035 compliance period and approved a contract with the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center to support affordable‑housing work.

Township counsel described the mediation process that followed challenges to the Department of Community Affairs’ nonbinding allocations. The township and building‑industry challengers negotiated under the oversight of a retired superior court judge and a special master; the settlement sets Franklin’s fourth‑round obligation and lets the township plan compliance measures for the next decade.

Council then voted to award a contract to the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center. Councilman Vasanella stated he serves as a volunteer board trustee for the resource center and abstained from the vote; the remaining councilmembers voted yes.

Township Attorney Reynold framed the settlement as confirmation of Franklin’s long record on affordable housing and said the township’s prior work had made it an example for other municipalities. Council discussion emphasized that the settlement provides a firm obligation number the township can use in its upcoming compliance planning.

The council did not provide implementation details during the meeting; staff and counsel said the next steps involve compliance planning over the coming months and coordination with the appointed special master and relevant housing advocates.