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West Windsor council presses review of DCA housing figure; resolution due Jan. 31
Summary
Council members said the state’s DCA calculation lists West Windsor’s prospective need at 661 units and urged staff to verify the data before the council must adopt a local figure by Jan. 31. Planners expect revised maps and further analysis in December or January.
West Windsor Township Council members said Nov. 25 they will scrutinize a state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) calculation that assigns the township 661 prospective need units under the state affordable-housing formula, and they underscored a Jan. 31 deadline to adopt a local number.
"DCA calculation for West Windsor is 661 prospective need units," Council member Andrea said at the meeting, citing the state figure and describing how inclusionary percentages translate that into a larger total housing obligation. Andrea said the township’s GIS base maps from 2020 were used for the state calculation but do not reflect demolition permits and other changes that could reduce counted available land.
Council member Ned said the state methodology relies in part on surveys and assumptions and that the township’s planner is working to reconcile available space. "The state has promised that they will make available maps of how they came up with that available space by this Friday," Ned said, and councilors said they expect the administration’s analysis to be shared with the council before any formal action.
Why it matters: Under the process the council must adopt a local affirmation of the township’s number by Jan. 31, 2025. Council members described the DCA figure as guidance that should be validated against up-to-date local data; they warned that inaccuracies could affect future development obligations and potential legal exposure.
Next steps and context: Officials said township planning staff will review state maps and run their own analysis; when that work is complete the administration will present recommended numbers to the council and then to the public. Council member Dan emphasized the importance of validating inputs and noted the council has only a few meetings remaining before the Jan. 31 deadline.
