Regarding Affordable Housing
Dear [Persons Name]
As a resident of Mount Olive Township in Morris County, I am writing to respectfully ask our state leaders to consider eliminating — or at least meaningfully modifying — the Mount Laurel Doctrine and its current affordable housing obligations.
While the intent behind this doctrine is understandable and rooted in fairness, the impact on western New Jersey communities has become increasingly challenging. Towns like Mount Olive are being forced to develop additional housing and consume remaining open space in order to meet mandated obligations. Meanwhile, many municipalities to the east have the infrastructure, transportation systems, job availability, and development capacity better suited for higher-density housing.
This imbalance places a significant strain on our local resources, environment, and quality of life. We fully recognize the importance of providing affordable housing, but we ask that the policy be reconsidered or adjusted so that future obligations can be shared more equitably. Municipalities in the eastern portion of the state — where there is greater infrastructure and growth opportunity — should play a larger role in meeting these requirements.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to ensuring that state policies remain fair, practical, and sustainable for all New Jersey communities.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Resident, Mount Olive Township
As a resident of Mount Olive Township in Morris County, I am writing to respectfully ask our state leaders to consider eliminating — or at least meaningfully modifying — the Mount Laurel Doctrine and its current affordable housing obligations.
While the intent behind this doctrine is understandable and rooted in fairness, the impact on western New Jersey communities has become increasingly challenging. Towns like Mount Olive are being forced to develop additional housing and consume remaining open space in order to meet mandated obligations. Meanwhile, many municipalities to the east have the infrastructure, transportation systems, job availability, and development capacity better suited for higher-density housing.
This imbalance places a significant strain on our local resources, environment, and quality of life. We fully recognize the importance of providing affordable housing, but we ask that the policy be reconsidered or adjusted so that future obligations can be shared more equitably. Municipalities in the eastern portion of the state — where there is greater infrastructure and growth opportunity — should play a larger role in meeting these requirements.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to ensuring that state policies remain fair, practical, and sustainable for all New Jersey communities.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Resident, Mount Olive Township