Parsippany mayor announces affordable-housing subcommittee after public questions about Highlands tool

A resident asked the Parsippany (Troy Hills) Township Council whether work done using the Highlands Council fair-share housing tool had meaningfully reduced the town's affordable-housing obligation. Council and mayor said staff and consultants are using every tool available and that the subject will be discussed publicly at a future meeting.

"You're absolutely right," a council official said in response to a public question about the Highlands portal and the numbers it produced, adding the council does not want to "tip our hand" to developers by prematurely disclosing strategy. The official said there will likely be a public discussion in January to review the numbers.

Mayor Barberio announced a state-recommended affordable-housing subcommittee to work outside the formal council setting. He said the subcommittee will include the council president, Councilman Matt McGrath, the mayor, the township administrator and Town Planner Ed Snikus. "We try to reduce that number as much as humanly possible," the mayor said, referring to the town's affordable-housing obligation.

The mayor and council did not take final action at the meeting; the mayor said the town's attorney advised against discussing certain details publicly while privileged matters remain under review. Council members urged transparent public discussion once the administration compiles the underlying numbers and consultant reports.