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Summit West residents press Stafford Township for help after repeated rent hikes; council says it is exploring options
Summary
Multiple Summit West residents told the council at public comment that repeated rent increases threaten older renters; the township said it has been communicating with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and noted Stafford's participation in the NJHOMES program while continuing to explore possible legal and programmatic remedies.
Several residents of Summit West, an over-55 rental community in Stafford Township, urged the Township Council on May 26 to take action after what they described as ongoing and significant rent increases.
Residents—among them Beth Mann, Barbara Crystal (reading a statement on behalf of Tim Alexander), and others—said rent hikes have produced financial hardship for elderly tenants. They asked the council to consider ordinance options, resolutions, or other lawful remedies and timelines for assistance. Residents described medical costs and fixed-income pressures that make continued tenancy difficult under repeated rent escalations.
Township officials told commenters that staff have met with Summit West residents and are pursuing options. Officials said Stafford is among ten municipalities approved under the NJHOMES program and that Township representatives are communicating with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs about possible assistance, ordinances, or other lawful options. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; staff described these exchanges as ongoing outreach and consultation.
Why it matters: Several attendees said the rent increases could force long-term residents to leave town. The residents asked the council for public timelines and specific remedies; the township responded with procedural next steps (ongoing meetings with DCA and NJHOMES staff). The council did not adopt any ordinance, emergency measure or binding directive at the May 26 meeting.
What remains unresolved: Residents requested clearer public timelines and a statement of legal options the Township might pursue under state law; the meeting record shows staff will continue discussions with state agencies and residents but no binding council decision was recorded.
