Residents questioned the Upper Township Planning Board in Upper Township, New Jersey about two manufactured home communities (MHC) for seniors, one with 110 home sites in Seaville and another one that is proposed in Palermo. Ground was broken last month for the community in Seaville, planned by Ocean City developer Harry Vanderslice, who also built the senior MHC at Osprey Point, according to shorenewstoday. Both communities will have 20 percent as affordable sites.
One questioner, concerned about an increase in school taxes if more students attend the Upper Township School District schools, was told the communities are for seniors, and that it’s unlikely a family would move in.
When asked how the MH will be taxed, Committeeman Hobie Young responded that the homes are not taxed, but the land is, as are attached fixtures like a sun room or a deck.
Developer Ralph Clayton has planned another senior MHC comprised of 130 home sites for the 49 acres in Marmora, NJ. This one will also offer 20 percent affordable housing as the township begins meeting its affordable housing requirements. Under the most recent assessment, Upper Township has been required to have 300 affordable units. However, MHProNews has learned the method for determining the required number has changed, and now a Fair Share Housing Plan must be submitted to a trial court for approval.
If a municipality does not comply with affordable housing rules and quotas, a builder can file a “builder’s remedy lawsuit” which, if successful, allows the builder to construct a high-density residential project without adhering to local zoning laws, providing a portion of the housing is considered affordable. ##
(Photo credit: Matthew J. Silver–manufactured home en route from the factory)
