The state is targeting roughly 40,000 homes over three decades, while a separate Montville notice offers a near-term application opportunity for three affordable rentals.
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Gov. Mikie Sherrill has announced a housing strategy that roughly doubles the state’s development target on publicly owned land, pairing a long-term construction plan with faster permit reviews and another auction of tax credits to support affordable housing.
The plan announced Sept. 29 emphasizes housing near transportation and jobs, redevelopment of underused office and commercial properties, preservation of existing affordable homes and assistance for municipalities pursuing construction. It does not make the proposed homes immediately available to renters or buyers.
The Housing Strategy and Progress Report estimates 37,200 to 42,800 potential homes over 30 years. It identifies approximately 2,300 additional acres for consideration beyond NJ Transit’s existing development initiative.
The inventory does not approve construction. Most state-owned land is protected or already in public use.
“Too many New Jerseyans cannot afford their rent or mortgage, seniors are being priced out of their homes, and young people cannot afford to buy their first house —all while the actions of the Trump Administration continue to drive up prices and construction costs. We need a new approach, and this plan sets in motion urgent statewide action—bringing together government, builders, labor, business, and community leaders—to speed up housing production, get shovels in the ground, and drive down costs,” said Governor Sherrill. “A home is the foundation on which people build their lives and financial security, and I’m taking strong action to ensure New Jerseyans can afford to build their futures here.”
The administration intends to retain state ownership where possible while arranging development. The approach expands an initiative begun in 2024 involving NJ Transit property and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The earlier transit initiative was expected to produce revenue for the transportation agency over decades through property transactions.
The report cites Morristown’s transit-oriented development and Parsippany’s commercial-property redevelopment as models. It does not announce a new Morris County project approval or construction start.
Financing and approvals remain separate steps
The next housing tax-credit auction opens Oct. 16, offering up to $60 million in credits, according to the report. That is not cash already distributed.
The state plans review deadlines for key permits and an expanded permitting dashboard. Six housing projects initially on the dashboard represent 3,713 potential homes, including 617 affordable units. Developments still require applicable approvals and financing.
Three affordable rentals in Montville
A separate notice posted by Montville on Oct. 5 concerns homes for which residents can apply now. The township’s lottery flyer lists three income-restricted apartments at Belvedere at Montville, 17 Hook Mountain Road.
Applications close Dec. 14, with a drawing scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 22. At least one household member must be 55 or older; residents younger than 21 are not permitted.
| Apartment | Household size listed | Published gross monthly rent | Published household gross-income range |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom, low-income | 1–2 people | $1,292.50 | $48,250–$57,899 |
| One-bedroom, moderate-income | 1–2 people | $1,551 | $57,900–$66,179 |
| Two-bedroom, moderate-income | 2 people | $1,654.50 | $66,180–$77,559 |
The flyer lists separate utility allowances of $267 for one-bedroom units and $340 for the two-bedroom unit. Applicants should confirm their applicable rent and utility obligations with the administrator. It also specifies a minimum credit score of 600.
Applications are directed to COAH Pro’s lottery page, with questions to coahpro@gmail.com. The flyer offers translations in Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Gujarati and Hindi upon request.