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Woodbridge clarifies payment-in-lieu and $6 million supportive housing authorization
Summary
Council adopted a payment-in-lieu for construction ordinance allowing developers to pay into the township affordable housing trust; council also affirmed an earlier authorization of up to $6,000,000 in trust funds to support future supportive housing projects, though no specific projects or commitments were yet identified.
The Woodbridge Township Council adopted an ordinance allowing developers to pay into the township’s affordable housing trust in lieu of constructing required units and confirmed the municipality has available trust-fund resources for future projects.
During the public hearing on the payment‑in‑lieu provision, resident Tom Maris sought specifics about how the change affects the township’s affordable‑housing requirements. Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) and staff responded that Woodbridge has already met its state‑determined affordable housing obligations but wants to continue encouraging affordable projects. The payment‑in‑lieu mechanism permits a developer to contribute money to the local affordable housing trust fund instead of building units on site.
Maris also asked about a previously referenced board authorization of "up to $6,000,000" for a supportive‑housing initiative. The administration said that authorization does not commit the township to a particular project; rather, it signals that trust‑fund monies are available to partner with developers or nonprofits on senior or affordable housing when suitable projects arise. "That does not mean we're doing it," an official said, explaining the town has no ready projects and no responsive documents were located in an OPRA search because plans are premature.
Staff clarified trust‑fund restrictions and practice: affordable housing contributions typically carry deed restrictions; historically length was 30 years and has moved to 40 years for many units. Officials also emphasized that the affordable housing monies are not general‑fund tax dollars but derive from the township’s affordable housing trust and incoming developer contributions.
The council adopted the payment‑in‑lieu ordinance and submitted it to the mayor for approval; separate action on the up‑to‑$6,000,000 authorization was discussed during public comment as an existing board resolution to signal available funds, rather than as a commitment to spending on any identified project.
