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Planner warns state ‘religious conversions’ bill could let houses of worship be converted to dense multifamily
Summary
At a Borough of Old Tappan meeting, the planning consultant warned a pending Senate bill could allow religious facilities and qualifying nonprofits to convert to multifamily housing at densities of 40–90 units per acre and carry exemptions on height and parking that would affect local zoning.
Ed, the borough planning consultant, told the board that three bills before the state Senate could substantially change local land‑use controls. He said the first — referred to as the “religious conversions / inclusionary housing” bill — would permit existing religious facilities and qualifying nonprofits to be converted to multifamily residential developments at densities he summarized as "40 to 90" units per acre and with exemptions that could add one to three stories above current height limits.
"The first one I'll talk about is something called the religious conversions, to inclusionary housing bill," Ed said. He also cautioned the board that the bill would relax parking standards where a site sits near transit, potentially allowing as little as 0.5 parking spaces per unit if within specified walking distances of rail or frequent bus service. Ed urged the borough to track the bill closely and offered a League of Municipalities sample resolution the board could use to register concerns with legislators.
Why it matters: if the Senate passes the measure as described, Ed said the legislation could override local master plan provisions and zoning rules for churches and some nonprofits, creating development opportunities the borough’s current code does not anticipate. The board asked staff to circulate links and copies of the actual bill language so members can review and consider a municipal resolution.
