NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Many churches, synagogues and mosques in New Jersey are sitting on large properties in prime locations with underutilized land.
“We have a housing crisis in our state, and we all acknowledge that, and we need practical solutions," said State Sen. Troy Singleton.
He proposed a bill that would help clear some zoning restrictions so affordable homes can be built without overwhelming local infrastructure.
“And many have land that’s underused: Parking lots, vacant spaces, etc., and with their mission rooted in service, this bill gives them a practical path to help address our housing crisis,” he said.
He said several institutions are interested in his proposal.
“We’ve had numerous conversations with faith-based leaders across the religious spectrum, and each and every one of them have come to us and said, ‘Look, we want to be part of the solution,’” Singleton said.
The bill still needs to get committee approval before it can be brought forward for a full vote.
Singleton is the chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, and said he will do his best to get it fast-tracked.
