Montvale Mayor’s Explosive Fight Against NJ Overdevelopment: 35 Towns Join Epic Housing Battle

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Montvale NJ, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali is leading a powerhouse coalition of 35 New Jersey municipalities, now including Englewood, in a bold stand against the state’s overreaching affordable housing mandates. Spanning nine counties and representing over 500,000 residents, this Bergen County-driven movement is fighting for responsible growth as legal battles heat up. With a court deadline of October 10, 2025, to add more towns, here’s why this coalition is shaking up NJ’s housing crisis—and how your town can join the fight!

Englewood Joins the Fight: 35 Towns United Against Overdevelopment

On September 17, 2025, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali announced Englewood’s addition to the Local Leaders for Responsible Planning coalition, bringing the total to 35 municipalities across Bergen, Essex, Union, and six other counties. This group, representing over half a million NJ residents, is challenging the state’s 2024 affordable housing law, which mandates excessive unit quotas—like Montvale’s 348 units by 2035—that threaten to overwhelm local resources. The coalition, led by Ghassali, has until October 10, 2025, to amend its lawsuit and include more towns, with a $20,000 participation fee ($10,000 in 2026, $10,000 in 2027) to cover legal costs.

Englewood’s Council President Dr. Lisa Wisotsky earned praise for her leadership, joining towns like Allendale, Closter, and Wyckoff in rejecting overdevelopment. Ghassali’s call to action urges mayors to “grow a spine” and fight for their communities, not just piggyback on the coalition’s efforts.

Why It’s a Crisis: NJ’s Housing Mandates Threaten Communities

The coalition’s lawsuit, filed September 9, 2024, in Mercer County Superior Court, argues that NJ’s affordable housing law (P.L. 2024, c. 2) oversteps constitutional bounds under the Mount Laurel doctrine. It unfairly burdens suburban towns like those in Bergen County while exempting 62 “urban aid” municipalities, such as Hoboken and Jersey City. Montvale alone faces a potential 1,740-unit burden with 20% inclusionary zoning, straining infrastructure and taxpayers. Ghassali’s coalition, now spanning Allendale to Wall Township, demands fair, responsible planning to protect NJ communities from unsustainable growth.

A federal lawsuit filed April 24, 2025, further alleges equal protection violations, spotlighting Bergen County’s role in this high-stakes battle. With the state’s October 20, 2025, deadline for housing obligations looming, the fight is urgent.

Keywords: NJ affordable housing lawsuit, Bergen County housing crisis, Mount Laurel doctrine, Ghassali coalition, 2025 overdevelopment

How Your Town Can Join the Battle

Is your town missing from the coalition? Mayor Ghassali invites municipalities to join by October 10, 2025, to strengthen the fight. Here’s how:

• Contact Ghassali: Email mghassali@montvaleboro.org to join the coalition.

• Cover Legal Fees: Commit $20,000, payable as $10,000 in 2026 and $10,000 in 2027.

• Stay Informed: Follow updates on northjersey.com or thepressgroup.net.

• Spread the Word: Use hashtags like #NJHousingFight and #BergenCountyCoalition to rally support.

• Engage Locally: Contact Bergen County officials at 201-336-6000 or your local mayor to push for action.

Ghassali’s blunt message to hesitant mayors: “Leadership isn’t about riding coattails—it’s about courage.” Bergen County towns like Franklin Lakes and Westwood are already on board—don’t let your community miss out.

Why It Matters: Bergen County’s Future at Stake

This coalition, now 35 strong, is a game-changer for NJ, especially in Bergen County, where towns like Ridgewood and Paramus face similar housing pressures. The state’s mandates threaten local control, risking overdevelopment that could clog roads, strain schools, and raise taxes. Ghassali’s leadership, backed by Englewood’s Dr. Lisa Wisotsky, shows Bergen County’s resolve to protect its communities. With legal battles in state and federal courts, 2025 is a pivotal year to demand fair housing policies that respect local needs.

Keywords: Bergen County housing reform, NJ overdevelopment fight, Ghassali leadership, Englewood coalition, 2025 municipal rights

Full List of Coalition Towns

1. Allendale Borough (Bergen)

2. Cedar Grove (Essex)

3. Clark Township (Union)

4. Closter Borough (Bergen)

5. Denville Township (Morris)

6. East Hanover (Morris)

7. Englewood (Bergen)

8. Florham Park Borough (Morris)

9. Franklin Lakes Borough (Bergen)

10. Hillsdale Borough (Bergen)

11. Hanover Township (Morris)

12. Holmdel Township (Monmouth)

13. Hawthorn Borough (Passaic)

14. Little Falls (Passaic)

15. Mannington Township (Salem)

16. Millburn Township (Essex)

17. Mendham Borough (Morris)

18. Montville (Morris)

19. Montvale Borough (Bergen)

20. Montgomery Township (Somerset)

21. Norwood Borough (Bergen)

22. Old Tappan Borough (Bergen)

23. Oradell Borough (Bergen)

24. Parsippany-Troy Hill (Morris)

25. River Vale Township (Bergen)

26. Sandyston Township (Sussex)

27. Totowa Borough (Passaic)

28. Warren Township (Somerset)

29. Wall Township (Monmouth)

30. Washington Township (Bergen)

31. West Caldwell Township (Essex)

32. Westwood Borough (Bergen)

33. Woodland Park Borough (Passaic)

34. Wharton Borough (Morris)

35. Wyckoff Township (Bergen)

Don’t let NJ’s overdevelopment mandates ruin your town—join Mayor Ghassali’s coalition and fight for Bergen County’s future in 2025!

Source: Adapted from Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali’s announcement and The Press Group reports.

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