Paglione writes about a lack of transparency in regard to Moorestown’s affordable housing requirement.
At the council meeting on Nov. 13, the council conceded that they intend to not provide details about the future of Moorestown’s master plan and affordable housing developments until after they reach a settlement of all pending litigation with the Fair Share Housing Center and other developers for various housing projects located throughout the township. This would include any plan for “very low, low and moderate income” rental apartments on Hartford and Westfield Roads or other locations. We have serious concerns about council’s approach on this issue. We requested and we are entitled to transparency on this critically important issue.
The council cites the pending litigation as the reason for withholding important information. I have not seen any Court Order or document that prevents the council from discussing the issue of Moorestown’s future housing/development plans. The only item that I have been told can remain confidential is “the number of units,” since that is the subject of on-going negotiation in the lawsuit.
In direct contrast to our council’s approach, neighboring Delran is going through the same type of affordable housing litigation as Moorestown. Instead of hiding information from their residents, the council in Delran has made the process entirely transparent to their residents.
I wonder why Delran’s council is sharing information with its residents and we are not getting the same level of transparency? Isn’t it in everyone’s best interest to have full transparency and disclosure on these issues that will affect the township for decades? If you want more information on this important issue, please go to “change.org” and search “affordable housing” and “Moorestown” or contact the council members.
Roberto Paglione
