In an effort to make it easier for senior citizens and veterans to find an affordable home to call their own, Bill A3363, co-sponsored by Bayonne Assemblyman William Sampson, which will create a centralized directory of affordable housing, has been signed into law. by Governor Phil Murphy. The legislation was also sponsored by Assembly members Cody Miller and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.
“The search for a place to call home shouldn’t have to be an overwhelming experience, nor should the right place always have to feel like it’s out of reach,” said Assemblyman Miller (D-Atlantic, Camden, Gloucester). “Through this bill, we’re giving families in our communities clear, up-to-date information about the available affordable housing options in their communities, including affordable senior and veteran housing units, ensuring they can find a place to call home without unnecessary obstacles.”
Under the bill, each municipality will be required to submit a quarterly report to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) of the affordable housing units, affordable veterans housing units, and affordable senior citizen housing units, within their communities. The report will include general information about each unit, such as whether applications are being accepted for tenancy or purchase, if there is a waitlist, and instructions on how to apply for placement in any identified housing unit.
“For too many people, the hardest part of finding affordable housing is simply figuring out where to start,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). “By compiling these resources we’re cutting through confusion and putting meaningful information in the hands of families who are working hard to find stability.”
Once compiled, the information would be published on the websites of the NJDCA and the New Jersey Housing Resource Center of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. Additionally, municipalities with their own websites will be required to provide links to these websites so residents are able to locate the information with ease.
“I speak with people in my district all the time who are searching for a place to live but keep running into dead ends,” said Assemblyman Sampson (D-Hudson). “Nobody should have to feel like they’re on their own when they’re trying to find a home and through this bill we’re carving out a path forward for those who need it most.”
The version signed into law reflects recommendations made by Governor Murphy when he conditionally vetoed the legislation earlier in the year.