Housing (Community Development)

This bill prohibits New Jersey sewerage authorities from charging new connection or tapping fees to property owners redeveloping land that was connected to the sewer system for 20+ years, regardless of whether the property was actively used after initial connection. Exceptions apply if the redevelopment involves adding structures, changing the property's use, or modifying existing sewer connections. The bill also requires authorities to reimburse property owners who paid such fees under protest before the law took effect. It directly affects property owners and developers redeveloping older connected properties in New Jersey.

This bill clarifies that certain residential redevelopment projects under New Jersey's Aspire Program will not have their tax credit incentives prorated (reduced proportionally) during any year of the project's eligibility period. It specifically applies to projects approved under the November 2021 rules or submitted within 121 days after July 6, 2023, which previously faced proration requirements. The key change removes the proration requirement for these qualifying projects, ensuring developers receive the full tax credit amount annually. This directly affects developers of residential projects providing housing for low- and moderate-income households. The bill retroactively applies to projects already approved under the affected rules.

This bill extends the deadline for developers to submit a temporary certificate of occupancy for certain projects under New Jersey's Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant program from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2032. It specifically affects developers of qualified residential projects or mixed-use parking projects that have applied for incentives under this program. The change modifies existing requirements in the grant program's rules without altering eligibility criteria, funding levels, or other program provisions. The extension provides additional time for project completion and compliance with the program's requirements.

This bill appropriates $100 million to provide financial assistance to New Jersey residents affected by Hurricane Ida's remnants (Sept 2021 storm). It directly helps eligible property owners, renters, and vehicle owners who suffered damage to their primary residence or transportation, verified through FEMA, insurance, or municipal documentation. Key provisions include reimbursements for home repairs, temporary housing costs, vehicle replacement/repairs, uncovered personal property ($50,000 cap), and gap funding for disaster mitigation, while prioritizing those not covered by federal CDBG-DR funds (income limit: $1M combined income). The Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation will administer applications, set timelines, and prioritize claims if demand exceeds funds.

This bill creates a $50 million state fund to help municipalities revitalize vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed properties and convert them into affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents. It modifies foreclosure rules to allow certified mail notice instead of personal service for tax lien holders seeking to foreclose, speeding up the process while complying with due process requirements established by recent court rulings. The bill directly affects municipalities (which manage property revitalization), tax lien holders (like counties), and renters who benefit from new affordable housing. Key provisions include the dedicated funding for rehabilitation and revised procedures to reduce delays in repurposing properties, addressing New Jersey's shortage of over 200,000 affordable housing units.