High Bridge Loses - Mt. Laurel Agreement Powerful Medicine

From the Star Ledger:

High Bridge loses bid to block housing development

"A state appeals court yesterday rejected High Bridge's attempt to block a long-approved 170-unit housing development by removing it from the borough's affordable housing plan."

"The three-judge panel noted that the latest legal dispute was part of years of 'stalling tactics' by High Bridge officials to stop local resident Pat Catanzareti from building on the 34-acre property through a contract with developer Pizzo and Pizzo."

"The dispute over the property off Dewey Avenue began in 1984, when Catanzareti sued High Bridge under the state Supreme Court's Mount Laurel doctrine that requires towns to provide housing for low- and moderate-income residents."

"The state Council on Affordable Housing, or COAH, mediated a settlement in 1988, allowing Catanzareti to build 170 units, including 34 affordable homes. Over the years, though, High Bridge sought to modify or overturn the agreement, and the affordable units were never built."

"Mayor Al Schweikert said High Bridge would continue its efforts to acquire the 34-acre property, either through negotiation or condemnation. The borough has hired two appraisers, whose evaluations are expected at any time, he said."