Township of Washington

The agenda includes the payment of bills, the administration of an oath of office, and the second reading and public hearing for several ordinances regarding capital improvements for police weapons, a standby generator for the Public Works facility, and a replacement canopy for the salt storage facility. The meeting will address the renewal of various local liquor licenses, the authorization of equipment purchases for the police and public works departments, and several budget amendments for specific grants and programs. Additionally, the committee will consider the release of an application escrow account balance, the awarding of a vehicle lease contract, and will move into an executive session.

This amended Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for Washington Township outlines affordable housing obligations in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and a Settlement Agreement. It addresses Prior, Third, and Fourth Round obligations, focusing on the Fourth Round's 31-unit Rehabilitation Share and 152-unit Prospective Need. The plan will be implemented through mechanisms including existing credits, new inclusionary developments, affordable housing overlays, mandatory set-aside ordinances, development fee ordinances, and a housing rehabilitation program, aiming to provide realistic opportunities for low-, moderate-, and very low-income households.

This document presents a program decision recommendation and special adjudicator report concerning the Township of Washington's Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. It outlines the township's affordable housing obligations, including present need, prior rounds (1987-2025), and prospective need for 2025-2035. The plan proposes satisfying these obligations through strategies such as vacant land adjustments, utilizing specific redevelopment sites (e.g., Woodmont and Washington South Redevelopment Area), and implementing a mandatory set-aside ordinance, with the goal of achieving compliance with the New Jersey Fair Housing Act and gaining immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation.

This document outlines the Fourth Round Spending Plan for the Township of Washington's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It details projected revenues and expenditures for affordable housing initiatives from July 2025 through June 2035. The plan focuses on allocating funds for affordability assistance (including down-payment, closing costs, lender fees, moving expenses, first month's rent, utility, and security deposits), covering administrative expenses (capped at 20%), and supporting rehabilitation programs. The projected total revenue and interest of $199,242.62 will be distributed to make units more affordable, manage the program, and address rehabilitation needs, with specific allocations for very-low income households.

This Master Plan Reexamination Report for the Township of Washington evaluates the local Master Plan and Development Regulations to determine the need for updates and revisions. It addresses problems and objectives concerning land use, recreation, open space, environmental protection, circulation, and affordable housing. The report considers significant changes at state, county, and local levels, recommending comprehensive revisions to zoning and land development regulations, an updated zoning map, pursuing Highlands Center Designation, and amending specific ordinances related to energy systems. Additionally, it advises preparing new Master Plan elements focusing on Land Use, Circulation, Community Facilities, and Sustainable Economic Development, alongside reviewing redevelopment plans and electric vehicle infrastructure.