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Pompton Lakes council weighs Montvale invitation to join lawsuit on affordable housing; $20,000 ask questioned
Summary
Montvale invited Pompton Lakes to join a federal lawsuit seeking to challenge state affordable‑housing determinations; the borough attorney and council members expressed reservations about spending $20,000 and discussed whether the borough could show support without funding.
The borough administrator told the council that Montvale has invited municipalities to join a federal lawsuit seeking to challenge aspects of the state's affordable‑housing process and to contribute funds to a pooled legal effort. The invitation included a suggested financial commitment; the amount mentioned in the letter was $20,000.
The borough attorney cautioned that while the strategy may make sense for some municipalities, Pompton Lakes should evaluate its own interests before committing funds. "I'm not sure that it makes sense based upon the experience of the borough," the borough attorney said, urging caution about a financial contribution.
Councilmembers discussed whether the borough could support Montvale's position without a monetary commitment, for example by passing a non‑financial resolution in support. Some members voiced sympathy for Montvale's effort to hold other towns accountable for their affordable‑housing obligations, while others said the borough’s budget priorities make a $20,000 contribution questionable.
No decision to join or fund the lawsuit was taken at the meeting. Council asked staff to gather more information and to consider a non‑financial expression of support if appropriate.
