Jackson Township Council Opposes State Bill Allowing High-Density Housing on Religious and Nonprofit Properties

The Jackson Township Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing newly introduced state legislation that would allow religious institutions and nonprofit organizations to develop housing at densities of up to 40 units per acre, regardless of local zoning rules.

The proposal — Senate Bill 4736, sponsored by Democratic Senators Troy Singleton and Benjie E. Wimberly — would classify such projects as “permitted uses,” eliminating the need for municipal use variances if developers include a 20% affordable housing set-aside and meet basic state design standards. Qualifying developments could also receive long-term tax exemptions and exceed municipal height limits by one additional story.

The bill is intended to encourage nonprofit-led affordable housing creation across New Jersey. But Jackson officials say the measure would override local planning authority and significantly alter the township’s development pattern.

In remarks during the council meeting, Council President Mordechai Burnstein said the proposal would “handcuff” local officials by mandating an intensity of development out of character with Jackson’s suburban setting.

“Jackson Township is already being required by the state to accommodate affordable housing,” Burnstein said. “This new bill would further limit our ability to manage growth and could force us to build more affordable housing than we are currently mandated to provide.”

Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri said the bill could pave the way for high-density apartment complexes in areas not designed for them.

“This legislation would allow 40 units per acre,” Palmeri said. “It raises serious concerns about overdevelopment and the impact on infrastructure, schools, and services.”

Jackson’s resolution outlines several objections, including:

• The uniform density of 40 units per acre does not align with the township’s suburban and environmentally sensitive landscapes.

• Eliminating the use-variance process would remove a key opportunity for public input and local review.

• Allowing height increases and tax-exempt financing could intensify development pressures with limited municipal ability to mitigate the effects.

Township officials emphasize that they already comply with state affordable housing obligations, but argue that local planning boards should retain authority over siting, density, and scale.

The adopted resolution will be sent to Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and members of Jackson’s legislative delegation. Township leaders hope lawmakers will amend or reject the bill in favor of preserving local zoning control.

Residents are being encouraged by the council to contact state senators with their views as the legislation awaits further consideration in Trenton.