Woodcliff Lake council outlines tentative settlement on affordable-housing obligation, sets next steps

Woodcliff Lake council members reported a tentative settlement with Fair Share Housing that sets the boroughs prospective need at 360 units. Council President Stern said the figure reflects the outcome of mandatory mediation and that the borough will conduct a vacant-land analysis that could reduce the number the town must build.

Why it matters: Under New Jerseys housing rules, municipalities must identify and plan to meet affordable-housing obligations; settlements and subsequent plans determine what the borough must do and can protect the municipality from further court-ordered remedies for a period if approved.

What council said: Council President Stern described the statute as onerous, saying, "it's a very Draconian law; it really forces things on the borough," but added that the negotiated settlement should protect the borough for roughly a decade. Officials noted there were two challenges to the boroughs prior prospective need and that mediation yielded the tentative 360 figure.

Next steps and deadlines: The borough has authorized a vacant-land analysis to assess reducible parcels and must submit the next portion of its plan by June 30. Council members said they will work with the boroughs affordable-housing attorney and planning consultants to finalize the plan and noted that some implementation options remain limited by state law.

Attribution: Council President Stern and Councilwoman Marsh discussed the settlement and the schedule for the vacant-land analysis and plan submission. No formal ordinance or court filing was voted on at this meeting.

Closing: Council members thanked local counsel and staff for their work on the settlement and indicated continuing follow-up in coming months.