Court Halts State's Trust Fund Grab
Communities that raise funds should benefit, says Network

5/14/2013

Following the announcement that the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court issued an injunction blocking the Christie Administration's raid on up to $164 million in municipal housing trust funds, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) Executive Director Staci Berger issued the following statement:

"This injunction is an opportunity that allows towns more time to create the homes that our state needs. Over half of the funds at stake are based in the nine Sandy devastated counties, it's crucial that these funds are spent as intended, in the communities they were intended for. In Middle Township for example, in hard hit Cape May County, $1.3 million is in jeopardy of being taken by the state despite having a plan to create 400 affordable homes. Another example is Morris County where Morris Habitat for Humanity has been contracted to develop 62 affordable homes throughout twelve municipalities using over $2.6 million dollars.

"Governor Christie fought for Congress to approve funding to help our state recover and rebuild after Sandy. We're troubled that he would take money for the very same purpose away from those very same communities. Places like Cape May County and the other Sandy devastated counties need every single dollar.

"We appreciate that the court recognizes that this is not to be taken lightly and we thank them for proceeding with urgency on this significant issue. We also thank the many groups and individuals that have been vocal in opposition to the state's attempt to raid the housing trust funds."

For more details on the court's injunction on the seizure of trust funds, please visit http://tinyurl.com/bqqppmo.

The Housing and Community Development Network supports New Jersey’s community development sector, collaborating with more than 250 members including community development corporations and other organizations to create affordable homes, expand economic opportunities, and build strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Arce
Housing & Community Development Network of NJ
(609) 393-3752 x12
[email protected]
Twitter site:  twitter.com/hcdnnj
Facebook site:  facebook.com/hcdnnj