Housing Commission Pushes For Creation Of So-Called Accessory Dwelling Units

Housing officials have long argued that Montclair's ever-increasing property costs are chasing away many to less expensive terrain. But now they may have found a solution: accessory dwelling units or ADUs.

In a presentation before the Township Council on Tuesday night, representatives of Montclair's Housing Commission urged members to pass an ordinance that would allow the creation of ADUs in Montclair as part of a pilot project.

Accessory dwelling units are extra living units on one's property — complete with kitchen, bathroom, and at least 500 square feet of space. They may be attached or detached from the primary home on a property, and are sometimes also referred to as "mother-in-law apartments."

The Housing Commission is responsible for implementing the Affordable Housing Plan and monitoring Montclair's efforts in this area. The commission meets monthly and works closely with the non-profit HOMECorp.

Wendy McNeil, who chairs the Housing Commission, said the ADU option not only would provide affordable housing, but also could provide a revenue stream for people who may be struggling to stay in Montclair.

From 2000 to 2008, the median home value in Montclair increased from $284,000 to $639,000, according to City-Data.com.

McNeil and other housing officials said they have no idea how many people in Montclair currently may be illegally hosting an ADU.

Harold Simon, executive director of the National Housing Institute, also urged the council to consider and pass an ordinance so that a pilot project could be launched.

"We have no idea what this will be like in Montclair," he said. "We think people will want to do this. But they might not."

Councilor Cary Africk said the issue is a no brainer.

"There's no need to study this issue to death," he said. "Adopt the ordinance and just try it. It will be an experiment, if you will, and it has no real downside. It can only make things better."

But Councilor Renee Baskerville expressed concerns over the proposal, saying that she wants to make sure it reaches those who really need affordable housing.

Under the current proposal, "owners can pick and choose whomever they want," she said.

Baskerville said there are some people who have been waiting for affordable housing for years and that there must be a way to make sure the pilot project targets them first.

In the end, Mayor Jerry Fried said the issue would have to be discussed again in the future.

"I support the Montclair Housing Commission in its desire to implement a pilot ADU program and agree with the idea of creating incentives for 'affordable ADUs' once the program starts," Fried said. "One idea would be to use the Developer's Fund — money paid by developers in lieu of providing affordable units — for low- or no-interest loans.

"I believe we should start by following the recommendations of the commission, see what happens, and respond accordingly," he said.