Southampton adopts updated affordable-housing ordinance, approves implementation plan and administrative agent

The Southampton Township Committee unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-01 on March 10, 2026, repealing and replacing the township’s prior “Fair Share Plan and Affordable Housing” chapter to conform with State-required standards for the fourth round of affordable housing.

The ordinance was presented for second reading following an overview by Pat VanBernum of Environmental Resolutions, Inc. Township Attorney George Morris and Township Administrator Brandon Umba told residents the ordinance updates local regulations to meet state obligations and that the adopted affordable-housing plan is posted on the township website. The Committee voted 4-0 to adopt the ordinance (Mayor William Raftery, Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Rossell, Committeeman Ronald Heston and Committeeman James Young voting in the affirmative).

Why it mattered: After adopting the ordinance, the Committee approved a set of related implementation measures intended to operationalize the municipality’s fourth‑round affordable‑housing obligations. Resolutions adopted that evening included appointment of CGP&H as the Affordable Housing Administrative Agent, formal adoption of a spending plan for the fourth‑round compliance, authorization of an Affordability Assistance Program, and adoption of an Affirmative Marketing Manual. The roll call for those resolutions was unanimous.

Public questions at the hearing focused on where new affordable units might be located and what local impacts to expect. Resident Jeff Tober asked whether housing was planned for land behind the White Dotte property along Route 38; Administrator Umba said the Stokes Cannery site has been designated by the Committee as the affordable‑housing site and as an area in need of redevelopment, and that zoning for the parcels behind White Dotte would not change to permit affordable housing until a developer completes the Stokes Cannery project to meet the township’s obligation. Mayor Raftery said an environmental cleanup is part of the proposed approach for Stokes Cannery.

Residents also asked about school funding implications. Administrator Umba characterized impacts on the local school district as an unfunded mandate from the State. Questions about farmland preservation were raised; Administrator Umba said parcels within an affordable‑housing zone cannot apply for the State farmland‑preservation program but may apply through the county program.

What happens next: Township officials said the affordable‑housing documents would be submitted to the State the following day to achieve compliance. CGP&H will serve as administrative agent and the spending plan and marketing manual guide how units and assistance will be implemented and publicized.

Authorities and actions taken: Ordinance 2026-01 (replacement of Chapter 12-4.12 “Affordable Housing”) was adopted; Resolutions 2026-37 (appointment of CGP&H), 2026-38 (spending plan adoption), 2026-39 (Affordability Assistance Program authorization) and 2026-40 (Affirmative Marketing Manual adoption) were approved. No details on unit counts or implementation scheduling beyond what was stated in the resolution texts were provided at the meeting.

Community context: The ordinance and resolutions are part of the township’s fourth‑round compliance with State affordable‑housing obligations. Officials emphasized the process is state‑driven and requires subsequent administrative steps and oversight.

The Committee completed the agenda items related to affordable housing and moved on to other business.