Wallington adopts Midland Avenue affordable housing zone to meet state fair‑share obligations

The Borough of Wallington on March 26 adopted an ordinance establishing the Midland Avenue Affordable Housing Zone, a measure the borough's affordable‑housing attorney said implements the municipality’s Fair Share Plan and helps protect it from potential builder’s remedy litigation.

Attorney Allen, identified in the meeting as the borough’s affordable housing counsel, told the council the ordinance designates sites including 1 Midland Ave. and 2 Midland Ave., near the borough entrance from Garfield, and sets development standards such as setbacks and density. He said the ordinance would account for approximately 14 affordable housing units.

Councilwoman Susanne Preinfalk moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-10; Councilman John Kosuda seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously in favor: Councilmembers Eugeniusz Rachelski, Justyna Marciniak, Preinfalk, Sylwia Hejzner, Kosuda and Dennis Graham voted aye; none voted no.

Why it matters: Attorney Allen said tailoring a local Fair Share Plan and identifying specific sites is intended both to meet the state‑assigned obligation and to reduce the borough’s exposure to developer‑led “builder’s remedy” lawsuits, which can result in larger developments than municipalities planned. The ordinance also establishes site standards that will shape any future proposals for those properties.

What’s next: The ordinance was adopted on second reading by title. No members of the public spoke during the hearing on the ordinance. The council also noted, separately on the agenda, a related first‑reading water‑rate ordinance (2026‑11) that was tabled for further consideration.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2026-10 (adoption) — Mover: Preinfalk; Second: Kosuda; Vote: 6–0–0 (Ayes: Rachelski, Marciniak, Preinfalk, Hejzner, Kosuda, Graham).

Clarifying note: The transcript identifies the borough counsel only as “Attorney Allen”; a first name was not provided in the meeting record.