Frenchtown Advances Affordable Housing While Preserving Character

For decades, the borough has consistently embraced its responsibility to provide diverse, accessible housing options. Rather than viewing state affordable housing mandates as a bureaucratic hurdle, Frenchtown has historically approached affordable housing as an opportunity to strengthen the community from within.

In late June, in keeping with this long-standing commitment, the borough entered into a Consent Order and Final Certificate of Compliance and Repose approved by the Superior Court of New Jersey memorializing that Frenchtown met its Fourth Round affordable housing obligation (note: the Fourth Round housing obligation refers to the 10-year statewide affordable housing cycle—2025- 2035—mandated by legislation enacted in 2024). The Certificate of Compliance is a major milestone that secures the borough’s affordable housing adherence while pioneering creative solutions tailored specifically to Frenchtown’s unique character.

At its June meeting, the Borough Council adopted the final Implementing Ordinance and Resolution required to execute its updated Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP).

By submitting these local enforcement laws to the New Jersey Superior Court, the borough satisfied its requirements under the state amended Fair Housing Act for the 2025–2035 cycle. The Certification formally secures the borough’s long-term immunity from developer-driven “builder’s remedy” lawsuits, protecting Frenchtown from high-density developments that may not fit the community’s scale.

Affordable housing in New Jersey is designed for low-and moderate-income households—often including working professionals who form the backbone of a community, such as teachers and first responders. Because the cost of living in Hunterdon County is higher than in many other parts of the state, local income eligibility levels are adjusted upward to reflect the regional reality.

While the state originally assigned Frenchtown a new construction obligation of 22 units, the borough successfully submitted a vacant land adjustment demonstrating that Frenchtown lacked developable land to absorb new high-density developments because of local environmental constraints such as steep slopes and flood plains. As a result, the state recognized a Realistic Development Potential (RDP) of zero for new construction. This crucial adjustment allows the borough to focus its energy on implementing innovative, small-scale housing solutions that honor the borough’s existing neighborhoods in keeping with its small-town, historic character.

To meet its remaining affordable housing obligation—including an 11-unit rehabilitation goal— the Borough Council and the Planning/Zoning Board designed a plan that looks inward rather than outward. Instead of relying on high-density development that could alter Frenchtown’s historic feel, the HEFSP introduces several forward-thinking initiatives funded by developer fees (not municipal property taxes):

• The ECHO Unit Pilot Project: Frenchtown is introducing a pilot program for Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) units. These small, temporary, modular homes can be placed in the side or backyard of an existing single-family property. Partial funding for up to 5 ECHO units offers a flexible, compassionate option for residents to keep aging family members close by while preserving neighborhood aesthetics.
• Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Set-Asides: To ensure future growth blends naturally into the community, new residential developments will be required to integrate a percentage of affordable units directly into the development, maintaining the borough’s cohesive small-town aesthetic.
• Local Neighborhood Rehabilitation Incentives: Dedicated funding will help up to 11 local property owners repair and update older, substandard units. This channels financial support directly to current households, preserving Frenchtown’s historic architectural charm while ensuring safe, code-compliant housing for neighbors of all income levels.

To fully back these innovative programs, the borough has also formalized the necessary state-required frameworks, including a structured Spending Plan for the developer-funded affordable housing trust fund, an Intent to Bond Resolution to serve as a financial backstop, updated Zoning Ordinances aligned with the borough’s local scale, and an Affirmative Marketing Plan to guarantee fair access to these opportunities.

The complete HEFSP and supporting documents are available for review on the borough’s website.