2TRENTON, N.J. – A new bipartisan proposal introduced Monday would make it easier for religious and nonprofit organizations across New Jersey to turn unused buildings or land into affordable housing developments without requiring a zoning variance.

The measure, Senate Bill 4736, sponsored by Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) and Sen. Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic), seeks to streamline redevelopment of properties such as churches, schools, and community centers into “inclusionary developments” — projects that include both market-rate and income-restricted housing.

If enacted, the legislation would amend state land-use laws to classify such projects as permitted uses, removing a major hurdle that often delays or blocks conversions of institutional properties into housing.

Key Poi

See Full Page