Attorney to probe housing violation in E.B.

Attorney to probe housing violation in E.B.


MARIE ORTIZ  East Brunswick officials have hired an outside law firm to investigate a possible affordable housing violation at 1110 Cypress Lane. The condominiums’ owner, Ronit Shienwald, is accused of renting units since May for rates higher than allowed under township guidelines.  MARIE ORTIZ East Brunswick officials have hired an outside law firm to investigate a possible affordable housing violation at 1110 Cypress Lane. The condominiums’ owner, Ronit Shienwald, is accused of renting units since May for rates higher than allowed under township guidelines.

Owner of Villages

at Country Woods

could go to court

By nicole c. vaccaro

Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK — Township officials have hired an outside law firm to investigate a possible affordable housing violation by one local landlord.

During Monday night’s council meeting, a resolution was adopted, authorizing council members to take legal action against Ronit Shienwald of Marlboro, owner of the Villages at Country Woods condominiums.

The units in question are located at 1110 Cypress Lane, East Brunswick, and are considered by the township to be affordable housing units.

The firm of Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst and Doukas, East Brunswick, has been retained by the township.

"The township’s affordable housing laws dictate that these particular units can be rented; however, it must be to a tenant who qualifies for affordable housing under jurisdiction of the township’s Affordable Housing Agency," said Township Attorney Mike Baker.

Baker is also a member of Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst and Doukas.

"A list of all potential applicants must be submitted by the landlord to the Affordable Housing Agency, which will then base its decision upon the applicant’s income," added Baker.

"Furthermore, the owner of these units may not charge rent that exceeds the approved affordable housing rates."

Suspicion about a possible violation first came on Oct. 27 when unidentified tenants of the Villages at Country Woods notified the Township Housing Office, claiming Shienwald had been renting out units at a rate higher than the affordable housing limits set by the township, said Baker.

A thorough investigation into the matter revealed that Shienwald had, in the opinion of the township’s governing body, been illegally renting units since at least May of this year. Records show she has owned the units since September 1997, said the attorney.

"We have a copy of the May 2000 lease in our possession," said Baker. "It is evident by this that Shienwald is clearly in violation of the township’s affordable housing ordinance, as well as deed restrictions."

Baker also added that it was not until letters from the township to Shienwald were left unanswered that officials sought outside council.

"One thing [the township] will absolutely not tolerate is people taking advantage of affordable housing laws," said Township Business Administrator Jim White. "We are hoping our actions will send out that message loud and clear."

According to Baker, the legal team’s next step is to send a letter of its own to Shienwald. Should that also go unanswered, action may be filed in superior court.

Shienwald could not be reached for comment.