newjerseynewsroom.com

To the great pleasure of Gov. Chris Christie, the New Jersey state Council on Affordable Housing Tuesday approved a resolution supporting his executive order that halts any action by the agency pending the result of a review by a new task force of the state government's role in providing affordable housing.

"I'm extremely pleased that the Commission on Affordable Housing has itself joined the call from across our state recognizing the need for sensible planning reform. I welcome the Commission's input and cooperation as the task force conducts its review and provides recommendations for my administration to swiftly and responsibly take action," Christie said Wednesday.

Additionally, Christie announced the appointment of the four remaining members of the Housing Opportunity Task Force. They are Rutgers University Prof. James Hughes, Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler, and Ira Oskowsky, the former director of the state Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. Former senator Marcia Karrow (R-Hunterdon) is the chairwoman.

The task force has 90 days to provide Christie with recommendations on how to handle affordable housing issues. His order halting COAH's activity is being opposed in court by the Cherry Hill-based Fair Share Housing Center.

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM