Councilman Lavarro Issues Statement On Zoning Ordinance Decision

The following is a statement submitted to Patch by Councilman At-Large Rolando Lavarro about the Hudson County Court's decision to strike down Jersey City's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. If you have a statement you would like published, email samantha.mercado@patch.com.

“Yesterday, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Joseph Turula struck down Jersey City’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (IZO). From the beginning, I suspected that there were procedural issues with the IZO; and I raised those concerns at Council meetings. The judge validated those concerns and invalidated the IZO on that basis alone.”

“BEFORE Jersey City adopted the IZO, Fair Share Housing Center warned the Administration and City Council that the buyouts, particularly allowing developers to horse trade affordable housing units for other community benefits, were an illegal quid pro quo. I vehemently fought against and opposed all the buyouts and exemptions, tooth and nail, as they did nothing to provide affordable housing. Those buyouts simply provided an out for politically connected developers to make more profit instead of providing affordable housing for Jersey City’s working families. Again, a non-political court validated our concerns.”

“Obviously, I’m very happy with the court’s ruling. While we’ve lost valuable time and countless affordable units due to these political machinations, on the bright side and most importantly, this ruling opens the door for the City to provide meaningful affordable housing opportunities. For me, it provides a glimmer of hope that we can begin to build a Jersey City for the people of Jersey City. This is all that I ever wanted.”

“I intend to begin working immediately to introduce a new IZO that will accomplish that goal. I’ll reach out to Mayor Fulop and the City Council seeking any cooperation to accomplish the goal of building a Jersey City for and investing in the people of Jersey City.”