Council adopts mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center to address 4th-round obligation

The Frenchtown Borough Council voted to adopt a mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center that settles challenges to the borough's 4th-round affordable housing obligations under the amended New Jersey Fair Housing Act.

"It is Miss Green's recommendation in mind that you adopt this resolution and authorize the mayor to sign the mediation agreement," said Trevor, who gave the council a detailed chronology of the 4th-round process and the settlement discussions. Trevor summarized the Department of Community Affairs' allocations (11 rehabilitation units and 22 prospective need) and explained the procedural deadlines the borough faced, including a January 1, 2025 window to accept or contest the DCA numbers and a June 30, 2025 deadline for adopting a housing element and fair share plan.

According to the presentation, the borough's planner produced a vacant land analysis that the fair housing program accepted, and negotiations reduced a 3rd-round shortfall from five units to one. The mediation agreement incorporates several modest changes to the adopted housing element — including adjustments to density and land-use provisions — and recommends a 20-unit-per-acre density provision for the village center plan that aligns with existing development patterns.

The council was told the settlement remains subject to review by the program judge and a county Mount Laurel judge; if those steps proceed, the borough would obtain a certificate of compliance. Trevor also noted that additional ordinances and resolutions will be required through March 15 to implement the mediation agreement and recommended awarding professional services to support that implementation.

Council members voted in favor of the resolution by roll call. The program judge will make a recommendation to the superior court judge, and the borough's planner and consultants will carry out follow-up work identified in the settlement.