Clerk Michele Hovan: Housing plans are in hands COAH, but application so far has been in a “holding pattern”
By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
STOCKTON — The Borough Council on Monday approved two ordinances that will bring the town into compliance with state affordable housing regulations.
The borough’s state-mandated affordable housing plans are in the hands of COAH, the Council on Affordable Housing, but the application so far has been in a “holding pattern,” awaiting additional paperwork, borough Clerk Michele Hovan said. The two ordinances approved Monday are part of that paperwork.
One of the ordinances allows for the creation of up to 10 accessory apartments that would be rented to low- or moderate-income households.
The units will go toward helping the town meet its COAH obligation of 12 new units and four rehabilitated units.
The location of the accessory apartments will be determined at a future date as plans are submitted by developers or homeowners.
An accessory apartment, as defined by the ordinance, is a self-contained residential unit. It includes a kitchen, “sanitary facilities,” sleeping quarters and a private entrance.
The second ordinance approved by council establishes development fees that would be used for the sole purpose of providing low- and moderate-income housing.
The ordinance establishes a 1.5 percent fee on the equalized assessed valuation of new residential construction. There also is a 2.5 percent nonresidential development fee. The money collected from the fees must be used by the borough or it eventually will revert to the state. With small Stockton nearly built out, an opportunity to build more with the developers’ fees is not a sure thing.
The town will have to “use it or lose it,” said Councilman Neal Esposito, who presided over the meeting in place of Mayor Stephen Giocondo.
The mayor could not attend because of illness, according to Mr. Esposito.
”No matter which way you cut it, we have nothing to spend,” Ms. Hovan said. “It’s a cookie-cutter requirement” asked of all municipalities.
”It assures we’re compliant,” Councilman Andrew Dougherty said.
”It seems to me, given the size of our borough, we ought to be able to get a waiver for that,” Councilman Craig Smith said.

