the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the borough of Paramus, New Jersey, has officially accepted the state-mandated requirement to add 1,000 new “affordable housing units” over the next decade—the largest obligation of any town in Bergen County. While town officials acknowledge the necessity of meeting state housing laws, they are also seeking ways to reduce this number to 250 units through a study of available land.
By accepting the state’s figures, Paramus aims to protect single-family neighborhoods from large-scale multi-family developments that could arise from legal challenges. This decision sets Paramus apart from other North Jersey municipalities that have opted to fight the mandate in court.
Why Paramus Accepted the Affordable Housing Requirement
On January 21, Paramus adopted a resolution agreeing to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) calculation of:
✅ 1,000 prospective need units – New affordable homes to be built over the next decade.
✅ 254 present need units – Existing homes requiring renovations to qualify as affordable housing.
Under New Jersey’s Mount Laurel Doctrine, all municipalities are required to provide their “fair share” of low- and moderate-income housing. The DCA’s statewide calculations call for:
🏠 85,000 new affordable units across New Jersey.
🏚️ 65,000 rehabilitated units to meet current standards.
Paramus’ approach aligns with 62 out of 70 Bergen County towns, which have chosen to participate in the state-led affordable housing process rather than engage in costly litigation.
Could Paramus Reduce Its Housing Obligation?
Local officials are hopeful that a land study will allow the borough to adjust its housing target down to 250 units, citing a lack of available, unconstrained land. The borough reserves the right to update its calculation before its final affordable housing plan is adopted by June 30.
“If we were not to have done this, there is a potential for a builder to come in and try to buy up single-family houses and put multi-family in those,” said Francis Reiner of DMR Architects, which is advising the borough.
Avoiding Builder’s Remedy Lawsuits
One major factor influencing Paramus’ decision is the threat of “builder’s remedy” lawsuits. If a town fails to meet its Mount Laurel obligations, developers can override local zoning laws and construct large-scale apartment complexes—often with minimal community input.
By complying with the state’s mandate, Paramus is safeguarding single-family neighborhoods while maintaining some control over future development.
Statewide Affordable Housing Compliance
The Fair Share Housing Center, a Mount Laurel-based nonprofit, has praised the towns that have opted into the DCA’s housing program.
“Paramus joins most towns throughout New Jersey in accepting DCA’s calculations, making it easier to comply and focus resources on building affordable homes,” said Fair Share Housing Executive Director Adam Gordon.
What’s Next for Paramus?
📆 Key Deadlines:
- 🏛️ June 30, 2024 – Paramus must finalize its affordable housing plan, outlining how it will meet the state’s housing obligations.
- ⚖️ Ongoing – Land study results could allow the borough to revise its target before final adoption.
By balancing compliance with strategic planning, Paramus is taking a proactive approach to affordable housing while preserving the character of its neighborhoods.
🔔 Stay updated for further developments on Paramus’ housing strategyour eBlast will keep you well-informed . http://eepurl.com/bgt6T #RidgewoodBlog #News #LocalNews #StateNews #NationalNews #Subscribe #StayInformed #Community
Surprised? No. Disgusted? Yes. Greedy developers always win. Interesting about the potential for developers to buy up single family homes and build apartment buildings in their place if the town didn’t decide to go with the state’s Mt Laurel mandate. The developers’ greed with lawyers on their side will upheave towns’ zoning regulations regardless. Watch out—- they may be coming for your home next while they enjoy their multi- million dollar homes on acres of land tucked away from the overdevelopment they’re inflicting on the rest of us. Just a thought.
Welcome to North Patterson, formerly known as Paramus
Why do you say this???!!!???
Should have joined the other towns and fought it. When you don’t fight back you get walked over.
Paramus is democratic. The Mayor bent over and touched his toes Murphy is behind him! Let’s congest the area so no-one could breath!
It’s funny because the mayor is a Republican.
the whole town is GOP
The entire Paramus Council is Republican …DiPiazza, Antonia, Kaiser, Nadera, Rizzo, Weber, and Wilkins. Not a Dem among them.
The entire Paramus Council is Republican …DiPiazza, Antonia, Kaiser, Nadera, Rizzo, Weber, and Wilkins. Not a Dem among them.
The NJ state supreme court full of liberals pushed through the mount laurel. same useless group that let the cop killer trantino out of jail (formerly on death row) Liberals run… and RUIN this state ,
You better watch out for trump. He’s changing Everything..
trump is changing everything for the better
no more pronouns
competence over color
the problem is you live here
Can’t wait to see what gets built at Victoria’s Nursey now that they have left Paramus. I am guessing some high density housing.
Actually, it’s not a bad place for it – if it must be done. Sunrise is across the street, many dozens already live there. It’s attractive and not really out of character.
Put the Costco there. (Sarcasm)