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Stockton council approves settlement with Fair Share Housing Center to resolve Fourth Round challenge
Summary
The Stockton Borough Council on Dec. 15 authorized a mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center to resolve a court challenge to the borough’s Fourth Round housing plan; the settlement is intended to satisfy the borough’s prospective obligation and avoid further litigation.
Stockton Borough Council on Dec. 15 approved a mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center to resolve a challenge to the borough’s Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.
The move authorizes the Mayor and Borough Clerk to sign the Mediation Agreement and directs the municipal attorney and planner to execute any further documents needed to implement the settlement. Council members said the agreement provides certainty about Stockton’s affordable‑housing obligations and avoids additional court costs.
The settlement follows state changes and court guidance: P.L. 2024, c.2 and Administrative Directive #14-24 set the current procedural framework for municipalities seeking certification of compliance with the Fair Housing Act. In the DJ Action captioned In the Matter of the Borough of Stockton, Docket No. HNT-L-58-25, a court previously found Stockton’s present need to be zero units and its prospective need to be twenty affordable units for the Fourth Round.
Municipal planner Joanna Slagle summarized the history and the settlement terms to the council. Councilmember Bill Brown praised Slagle’s work, saying it is “a privilege for Stockton to have an experienced, expert planner.” The resolution authorizes the borough to enter the Mediation Agreement, and states the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to sign the agreement or a substantially similar form after review by the municipal attorney.
Motion on the resolution was made by Councilperson Brown and seconded by Councilperson Hunt. The roll call recorded Brown, Folz, Hunt, Mann and Meltzer voting in favor; the motion passed unanimously among those recorded.
The resolution directs the municipal attorney, municipal planner and any necessary officials to execute documents and take steps to effectuate the agreement. Under the administrative directive, the settlement will be referred to the Mount Laurel judge for review and, if accepted, entry of a certification of compliance.
Council members said approving the mediation agreement provides finality and avoids the expense and uncertainty of extended litigation. The council took the action by formal vote and the resolution took effect immediately.
