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Clark council ratifies mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center to resolve housing obligations
Summary
Council added and approved a resolution ratifying a Dec.13 mediated agreement with Fair Share Housing Center. The agreement sets timelines for ordinances and filings to meet third- and fourth-round affordable-housing obligations and limits builder’s-remedy exposure.
The Township of Clark council voted Dec. 15 to ratify a mediation agreement Mayor Angel Albanese executed with the Fair Share Housing Center, Mayor Albanese and Business Administrator Jim told the council.
Business Administrator Jim summarized the agreement as a court-recognized framework for compliance with the Fair Housing Act that will protect the township from builder’s-remedy lawsuits while preserving local zoning authority. He said the agreement requires a package of ordinances, resolutions and planning actions; it also makes the township’s compliance plan binding once approved by the court.
Key specifics discussed in the meeting included:
- The township’s combined third-round obligation totals 263 units; 71 rehabilitation/remaining units were previously identified as outstanding from earlier rounds. The fourth-round assignment added 166 units (bringing planning totals to 237 before other adjustments). Officials said the township currently plans to account for 49 of those 166 fourth-round units in its draft plan.
- The planning-board-approved redevelopment of the A&P property will yield 138 apartments with first-floor commercial space; 21 units from that project will count toward the township’s affordable-housing obligation as rental bonus credit.
- Mayor Albanese and the BA said a draft compliance document was to be prepared and signed by Jan. 1, 2026; ordinances were targeted for adoption by March 15, 2026, and final certification filings by April 15, 2026.
During discussion, the BA said the mediated deal gives the township "protection from builder's remedy lawsuits" and limits litigation risk while providing a defensible plan agreed with Fair Share Housing.
At the meeting, Council member Hunt moved to add the resolution to the agenda and Council member Manitti seconded; the council then adopted the ratification by roll call vote.
Next steps outlined by staff include drafting specific ordinances and resolutions required by the agreement and follow-up presentations to the public and planning board on redevelopment proposals and compliance measures.
