Judge orders Wayne to revise affordable housing plan, make way for up to 700 homes
The ruling requires zoning changes for two proposed developments and removes the North Jersey Country Club from the township's affordable housing strategy.
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A state judge has ordered Wayne Township to revise its affordable housing plan to accommodate two proposed residential developments totaling 675 to 700 homes, including 175 to 180 affordable units.
Superior Court Judge Darren J. Del Sardo ruled Oct. 15 that the township's plan failed to comply with New Jersey's Fair Housing Act and the Mount Laurel doctrine, which requires municipalities to provide realistic opportunities for affordable housing.
The ruling directs Wayne to rezone property at 1982 Hamburg Turnpike for 375 to 400 multifamily units, with 20% set aside as affordable housing.
At 1600 Valley Road, the township must accommodate a proposed development of 250 townhomes, including 50 affordable units, and a separate 50-unit affordable senior apartment building.
The judge also ordered Wayne to remove the North Jersey Country Club from its strategy for addressing previously unmet affordable housing obligations.
The court found that Wayne had not adequately demonstrated that properties identified in its earlier housing plan remained realistic opportunities for development.
The judge cited testimony about a January 2026 email from the country club's president stating that the club had no plans to sell its property for the foreseeable future.
Wayne opposed the proposed developments, arguing that environmental constraints made the Hamburg Turnpike property unsuitable for the proposed density. The township also questioned whether William Paterson University, which owns the Valley Road property, had the necessary authorization to sell the land.
The judge found that the Hamburg Turnpike site could reasonably accommodate 375 to 400 units, fewer than the developer's earlier 450-unit proposal. The court also cited the university's authorization for the Valley Road developer to pursue necessary approvals.
Wayne must revise its housing plan within 60 days of the court's order and enact implementing zoning measures within 60 days after filing the revised plan. The order states that failure to meet those deadlines will result in the loss of the township's temporary protection from certain zoning lawsuits.
The ruling requires zoning changes but does not constitute final approval for construction of either development.
News 12 reached out to Wayne Township for comment on the judge's ruling.
