The Mount Laurel doctrine, established by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1975 (Mount Laurel I) and 1983 (Mount Laurel II), requires every municipality in New Jersey to provide a “realistic opportunity” for its fair share of affordable housing. The New Jersey Fair Housing Act (FHA), enacted in 1985, outlines municipal housing obligations. Affordable housing units are designed to cost no more than 30% of a household’s income.

Fourth Round Planning
In 2025 Verona started a new 10-year round of affordable housing planning. During this fourth round, Verona conducted a comprehensive land capacity analysis, assessing site availability, environmental constraints, and infrastructure limitations. This analysis allowed the Township to reduce the initial prospective need obligation of 155 affordable housing units to a more reasonable development potential (RDP) of 67 units. However, the statute mandates that 25% of the unmet need—calculated as the difference between prospective need and reasonable development potential—must also be addressed (22 units) as part of the fourth round.

Strategic Redevelopment Plans
To fulfill constitutional obligations, support Verona’s downtown, and integrate affordable housing in a manner that benefits the entire community, Verona has initiated zoning redevelopment plans focused along Bloomfield Avenue. This approach facilitates the integration of housing into strategic locations, many of which are mixed-use buildings. Utilizing mixed-use developments with residential units above retail shops and services not only bolsters the local economy but also positions residents near transit, employment opportunities, and other amenities. An example of a mixed-use building is shown below, featuring 383 Bloomfield Ave, the future site of the Hillcrest Farms redevelopment project. This Fourth Round of Affordable Housing will include a combination of rental and for-sale units with each project setting aside 15% - 20% of their units for affordable housing obligations. Collectively, the plan has assembled a variety of projects which utilize good planning principles that effectively achieve bonus credits for the Township due to proximity to transit oriented zones and integration of special needs units and senior units. This timing aligns perfectly with the grant-funded Bloomfield Avenue Streetscape initiative, which focuses on creating a consistent and appealing aesthetic throughout Verona's main Bloomfield Ave corridor while ensuring ADA compliance and enhancing pedestrian accessibility.

In addition to redevelopment plans along Bloomfield Avenue—which currently includes 320 Bloomfield Ave, 383 Bloomfield Ave, 176 Bloomfield Ave, 420 Bloomfield Ave, and 885 Bloomfield Ave—Grove Avenue will also be evaluated as a potential redevelopment option.

Stay Informed & What’s Next

Township Council & Planning Board Meetings: By attending these meetings, you can gain insights into the planning process, understand how decisions are made, and observe how potential developments align with the community's affordable housing goals. These meetings also offer opportunities to provide input and feedback on proposed plans to the Township Council. Watch recordings of Township Council Meetings and Planning Board Meetings on Township of Verona's YouTube channel.

Subscribe to Township E-Newsletters: Signing up for the Township’s e-newsletters will ensure you receive timely updates on the affordable housing plan and other community initiatives. The newsletters often cover a wide range of topics, including upcoming projects, community events, and important announcements.

Follow on Social Media Platforms: Follow the Township on social media platforms to get real-time updates