Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Republican Leader - District 25 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Republican Leader - District 25 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
In response to the lawsuits filed against nearly 160 municipalities, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) released a statement criticizing recent legislative actions related to high-density housing mandates in New Jersey.
“The Murphy administration and Democratic leadership in Trenton pushed forward legislation with the promise of streamlining this process and taking it out of the courts. But instead of a simpler, more efficient system, the Democrats’ misguided efforts have now opened up towns across New Jersey to lawsuits that will force them to spend taxpayer dollars on attorney fees to litigate every one of these cases—and there will be hundreds of them,” said Sen. Bucco.
Reports indicate that nearly 160 municipalities are facing legal challenges as they attempt to reduce their state-mandated high-density housing obligations under a law adopted last year. This has initiated new legal battles as state officials implement the program.
“Republicans and local leaders have warned that in its present form, the fourth round of high-density housing obligations are unrealistic and will lead to the destruction of open space and overcrowding, placing immense strain on local resources and infrastructure. I remain committed to standing with our mayors and local municipalities on both sides of the aisle, who understand the negative impact this will have on our communities,” Sen. Bucco concluded.
Sen. Bucco has consistently opposed how Democrats have imposed high-density state-mandated housing obligations on New Jersey municipalities. Recently, he introduced legislation aimed at revising how these obligations are determined, advocating for more responsible growth and development.
In January 2024, he requested collaboration from Community and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Singleton with Republicans to address New Jersey’s housing crisis.
Previously, in March 2023, Sen. Bucco proposed delaying the fourth round of fair share affordable housing obligations for municipalities from 2025 to 2028.
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