New Milford Takes a Stand Joins Coalition to Fight Aggressive High-Density Housing

36 Towns Unite! North Jersey Coalition Rejects High-Density Housing as New Milford Joins Fight Against Overdevelopment

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW MILFORD, NJ – The grassroots movement against mandated high-density housing and aggressive developer demands achieved another major victory last night, as the New Milford Mayor and Council officially approved a resolution to join the multi-county coalition.

With the addition of New Milford, the coalition now proudly represents 36 municipalities across nine counties, amplifying the voice of over 500,000 residents determined to find a smarter solution to New Jersey’s housing crisis.

The Broken Formula: Why High-Density is Not Affordable

For decades, the standard approach to meeting “affordable housing” obligations has relied heavily on promoting high-density residential development. Yet, as Mayor Mike Ghassali of Montvale points out, the formula is demonstrably broken:

“For 50 years, high-density housing has failed to solve the affordability crisis. Homes are less affordable now than ever.”

The core message from this growing alliance—which includes members from both Democratic and Republican towns—is clear: Yes, we need affordable housing, but high-density housing is not the sustainable answer. State legislators are being called upon to listen to the half-million strong consensus that the current development mandate requires a fundamental overhaul.

A special thank you goes to Mayor Michael Putrino and the entire New Milford Council for their leadership and firm commitment to protecting the future character and infrastructure of their community against reckless overdevelopment.

Is Your Town Missing? Join the Movement Before the Deadline!

The coalition’s legal action advocating for affordable housing solutions while opposing excessive density is moving quickly. The court has granted an extension until October 10, 2025, to amend the legal complaint and include additional municipalities.

If your town is not yet on the list, there is a limited window to join this critical fight. Leadership matters now more than ever.

Mayor Mike Ghassali’s direct call to action: If your mayor suggests “riding coattails” by not joining, “remind them that leadership isn’t about riding coattails. It’s about courage, conviction, and standing up for the people they represent. Tell them to grow a spine, take a stand, and fight for you, not just when it’s easy, but when it counts.”

To Join the Coalition: Mayors and Council members should contact Mayor Mike Ghassali directly at: mghassali@montvaleboro.org.

The participation fee to cover legal expenses is $20,000 per town, with a split payment option: $10,000 in 2026 and $10,000 in 2027.

The 36 Coalition Towns Fighting Overdevelopment

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