New Jersey's Innovative Solution to Affordable Housing Crisis: Leveraging Transit Systems

• Author: Jennifer Kloss
• Posted: 2024-03-13

New Jersey might have just found a groundbreaking solution to its affordable housing crisis, and it lies just outside its transit system.

With approximately 74,000 acres of underutilized land around commuter rail stations within New Jersey and New York, the Regional Plan Association has identified a golden opportunity for developing affordable housing in the region.

The current state of housing in New Jersey is far from desirable, with the median rent standing at a staggering $2,500, which is $470 more than the national median, according to Zillow data. The need for affordable housing has never been more pressing.

However, there is hope on the horizon as plans are underway to rezone and redevelop approximately 150 transit stations in New Jersey, potentially bringing much-needed affordable housing options to these areas.

Metuchen, a town in Middlesex County, has already taken steps towards this vision by rezoning land for mixed-use development. Jay Muldoon, the former director of economic development in Metuchen, envisions a more vibrant and inviting downtown as a result of these efforts.

With the success of Metuchen's initiative, it serves as an encouraging example for the larger area's potential transformation.

Despite the positive trajectory, challenges remain. In Governor Phil Murphy's proposed $55.9 billion 2025 budget, he introduces an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to assist homeless veterans, along with allocating funds for down payment assistance and incentives for cities to create affordable accessory dwelling units.

However, experts suggest that tax credits and subsidies will be crucial in making affordable housing projects financially feasible for developers.

One major obstacle that experts foresee is the high cost of land and construction in New Jersey, posing a significant barrier to building affordable units without substantial financial support.

Additionally, potential opposition from local communities expressing concerns over safety and property value impact could hinder the progress of these developments.

However, proponents argue that these plans, while promising, do not address the underlying issues of housing affordability, such as insufficient wages and rising costs.

If implemented successfully, New Jersey's innovative approach could serve as an inspiring model for other states grappling with their own housing cost challenges.

The scarcity of affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters, estimated at 7 million units by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, underscores the urgent need for creative solutions across the country.

Although replicating this idea entirely may not be feasible for every state due to varying transit infrastructures, the concept of integrating housing development with public transit systems offers a universally beneficial model.

True Tamplin, the founder and CEO of Finance Strategists, believes that this approach can make a significant contribution towards mitigating the housing affordability crisis on a broader scale.

In the face of rising rents and home prices, affordable housing remains a critical issue affecting individuals' overall financial well-being and the strength of local economies.

New Jersey's visionary endeavor, combined with adequate government support and community engagement, has the potential to alleviate the burden of housing costs and pave the way for a more equitable future.