Lambertville council adopts Resolution 43‑22, formalizing fourth‑round affordable‑housing need and reserving right to adjust

The Lambertville City Council on Monday adopted Resolution 43‑22, establishing the city's fourth‑round prospective affordable‑housing need as 39 units and confirming the present need as zero, while including language that allows the city to adjust those figures if a future court decision or legislative action changes the statewide formula.

The resolution, introduced during the council's public meeting and approved by assent of council members, will be forwarded as required to the court within 48 hours of passage, council members said. The measure's language explicitly reserves the city's right to revise obligations "in the event that a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction or an action by the New Jersey legislature" alters the way needs are calculated.

Why it matters: Lambertville remains under a multi‑round fair‑share process that requires municipalities to account for affordable units over several compliance rounds. Council and staff told the public that certain mechanisms established in prior rounds — including allocations tied to specific sites — continue to carry obligations even if those sites are not developed.

During the meeting, residents pressed the council about whether the Lambertville High School redevelopment area and other "hill" parcels were being counted as developable land that affects the city's obligation. A resident identified as Jeff asked, "have we directed the planners yet to develop another plan that does not include the hill or the Wilson Pro property?" Council members and staff responded that, as a legal matter, previously established allocations remain part of the city's round‑three accounting and that the numeric obligation does not automatically diminish if a site is not ultimately built.

The mayor and staff also discussed outstanding units associated with the police station site (five rental units the city still must account for under the third round) and said the court adjudicator has been kept informed of the city's steps. The mayor noted the city has explored potential options — including limited development on city‑owned property with Habitat for Humanity — but emphasized that any final resolution of unmet obligations likely will involve the court.

The vote: The council put the resolution to a recorded assent during the meeting; councilmembers present voted in favor and the motion carried. (Vote tally as recorded in the meeting: council members present voted yes; specifics are on the official minutes.)

What comes next: Staff told the council it would submit the required filing within 48 hours of passage and continue to provide updates. The mayor said the city will continue to brief the court adjudicator and monitor any external legal or legislative developments that could alter the calculation of municipal obligations.

The council adopted the measure as part of a broader meeting that also included the mayor's State of the City address, infrastructure and stormwater project updates, and other routine business.