
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wayne NJ, a heated debate erupted last week during a township council meeting as Councilman Joseph Scuralli delivered a fiery critique of affordable housing policies, comparing the state’s housing mandates to the oppressive governance of Joseph Stalin in the former Soviet Union.
Scuralli’s Criticism of “Affordable Housing” Policies
Scuralli, a 20-year veteran of the council and representative of Wayne’s 4th Ward, lambasted New Jersey’s “affordable housing requirements”, claiming they harm the state’s economy and suburban communities.
“New Jersey has the worst business climate in the U.S., partly because of policies like affordable housing, which destroy suburban towns,” Scuralli said.
Citing a 2023 study by the Tax Foundation, Scuralli noted that New Jersey struggles with high property taxes and ranks second-to-last in tax competitiveness, just above New York.
He further criticized the financial burden these policies place on property owners, alleging that developers and politically connected individuals profit disproportionately from affordable housing projects.
Wayne’s Affordable Housing Obligation
The council meeting coincided with the township’s passage of a resolution to meet its state-mandated housing requirements. Wayne must provide 162 present-need units and 1,000 prospective-need units over the next decade, joining Paramus and Secaucus as the municipalities with the highest quotas.
The requirements are part of a statewide effort to address New Jersey’s housing shortage. Governor Phil Murphy previously signed legislation directing the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to release non-binding calculations for municipal housing obligations.
Jacquelyn Suárez, commissioner of the DCA, stated:
“The calculations address New Jersey’s housing shortage by equipping municipalities with clear numbers, so they can better plan on how to provide affordable housing options in their communities.”
A Polarizing Speech
Scuralli’s passionate critique struck a nerve. Comparing affordable housing mandates to socialism, he stated:
“This is disgusting — our government and judges are destroying the suburbs. What did Stalin kill, 50 or 60 million people in the name of socialism? This is what you get.”
The remarks led to mixed reactions. Some attendees left the council chamber in protest, while others criticized the councilman for his inflammatory rhetoric.
Peter Rosky, a political opponent, responded sharply:
“To hear the hyperbole of socialism, and how horrible New Jersey is — it’s unbecoming. It really is.”
Scuralli remained defiant, saying:
“I’ll continue to speak the truth to my constituents who elected me. I’ll continue to give my opinion.”
The Broader Debate on Affordable Housing
As municipalities across New Jersey face growing obligations to address the housing shortage, debates like this reflect the tensions between state mandates and local governance. Proponents argue that affordable housing fosters diversity and provides opportunities for lower-income residents. Critics, like Scuralli, contend that such mandates strain resources and erode suburban communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on local governance and affordable housing developments in New Jersey.
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It’s the truth!
The suburbs are disappearing. Developers and the politicians they have in their back pockets are determined to destroy the suburbs as we once knew them.
Black Rock doin us dirty
‘cuz we are:
RICH and STUPID