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Affordable Housing Updates

Click Here for the latest Board Committee Appointments & Committee Guide

Affordable Apartments For Rent In Scotch Plains

Affirmative Marketing for Scotch Plains affordable housing units at Glenside located at 2545 US 22 West (former Bowcraft property) and Orchid Park located at 1325-1371 Terrill Road (former Parker Gardens property) has officially kicked off. The Glenside development contains 35 new affordable rental apartments and Orchid Park has 34 new affordable units.

Please visit the following webpages below at AffordableHomesNewJersey.com for more information about the affordable housing opportunities:

There is one affordable housing waiting list for Glenside and Orchid Park. Please join the Scotch Plains rental waiting list from the above webpage.

Although any income eligible households may apply, residents and workers of Union, Essex, Morris, and Warren counties will be given priority selection before residents of other counties or states. Click the links above or view the flyer to see the income limits for the rental affordable housing units in these developments.

If you do not have an email address, call 609-664-2769 ext. 5.

How to Apply for Affordable Housing

For information about purchasing or renting an affordable unit in Scotch Plains, please visit www.affordablehomesnewjersey.com.  

On the website, you will be able to:

  • Complete a preliminary application
  • Find out income guidelines
  • Join waiting lists
  • See current listings of home for sale and rent.

If you have additional questions, you may leave a message at 609-664-2769, ext 5 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click here for more information.

Settlement Agreement Between Scotch Plains and Fair Share Housing

Please click here to view the Settlement Agreement Between the Township of Scotch Plains and Fair Share Housing Center January, 2018.

Affordable Housing Powerpoint Presentation

Township Planner Michael Mistretta of Harbor Consultants presented on the Affordable Housing Settlement Agreement in front of the Township Council at the Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, January 16.

Click here to view the Powerpoint Presentation. 

Affordable Housing Background Info & History

The affordable housing or Mount Laurel doctrine, started with the 1975 decision by the N.J. Supreme Court involving the Township of Mount Laurel (So. Burl. Cty. N.A.A.C.P v. Tp. of Mt. Laurel, 67 N.J. 151 (1975) or “Mount Laurel I”).

In Mount Laurel I, the Supreme Court decided that under the State Constitution, each municipality “must, by its land use regulations, make realistically possible the opportunity for an appropriate variety and choice of housing for all categories of people who may desire to live there”, including those of low and moderate income. Thus, the Mount Laurel I decision prohibits municipalities from using zoning powers to prevent the potential for the development of affordable housing.

Click here to download the full document with the entire background and history of Affordable Housing.