Summit's Affordable Housing Plan: Where Each Project Stands

Summit Common Council President Claire Toth briefed the council Tuesday night on progress toward the city's Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, a court-approved settlement that requires the city to identify approximately 532 housing units—including both affordable and market-rate units—to satisfy its state-mandated obligation.

"We have entered into a court-ordered settlement agreement to meet that requirement. That is simply the reality we are working with, and we intend to meet our obligation in good faith," Toth said.

Several projects are in various stages of review. The proposed redevelopment at Ashwood, Broad, and Morris avenues by Harmen Holdings completed its informal technical review with city staff. The application will move to the Summit Planning Board for a formal public hearing once it is deemed complete.

The proposed development at 190 River Road appeared before the Planning Board Monday night. That review examined engineering, stormwater management, and traffic impacts. The public hearing is scheduled to continue on August 17, 2026.

The Planning Board approved a small affordable housing project on Old Springfield Road, across from Little Kings. The project will create one affordable housing unit.

Summit United Methodist Church is expected to submit an application in August to convert its former school building into affordable senior housing.

Summit has been selected to participate in NJHOMES ABC, a new state program that provides technical assistance, training, and resources for affordable housing rehabilitation. The program will support work at Glenwood, Weaver Street, and the Gallo Building. Only 31 communities statewide were selected for the program.

"This will provide technical assistance, training, and resources for the rehabilitation projects at Glenwood, Weaver Street, and the Gallo Building. Only 31 communities in the state have been selected for this new program," Toth said.

The contract purchaser of the former Broad Street firehouse site, a city-owned property, withdrew from the project. The council will evaluate how the property could address both affordable housing needs and the city's financial challenges, while considering impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

Toth noted that residents have raised questions about the impact additional housing could have on neighborhoods, schools, traffic, and open space. "Those are fair questions, and they deserve real answers from all of us on Council," she said.

The council expects to continue evaluating implementation of the affordable housing plan over the coming weeks.

Union County Life covers Summit government actions, development projects, and community news. Stay informed on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is Summit's affordable housing plan?
A: Summit's Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan is a court-approved settlement that requires the city to identify approximately 532 housing units—both affordable and market-rate—to satisfy the state's affordable housing requirement. The Superior Court approved the plan earlier in 2026.

Q: What projects are currently under review?
A: Four main projects are in various stages: Harmen Holdings' proposed redevelopment at Ashwood, Broad, and Morris avenues (completed technical review, Planning Board hearing pending); a development at 190 River Road (Planning Board hearing continues August 17); Old Springfield Road project (1 affordable unit approved); and Summit United Methodist Church's conversion of a former school to senior housing (application expected August).

Q: When is the 190 River Road public hearing?
A: The Planning Board hearing for the 190 River Road development is scheduled to continue on August 17, 2026.

Q: What is NJHOMES ABC?
A: NJHOMES ABC is a new state program that provides technical assistance, training, and resources for affordable housing rehabilitation projects. Summit was selected, along with only 30 other communities statewide, to participate. The program will support work at Glenwood, Weaver Street, and the Gallo Building.

Q: What happened to the Broad Street firehouse site?
A: The contract purchaser of the former city-owned firehouse property withdrew from the project. The council is now evaluating how the property could address both affordable housing needs and the city's financial challenges while considering neighborhood impacts.

Q: How will this plan affect neighborhoods, schools, and traffic?
A: Council President Toth acknowledged that residents have raised questions about impacts on neighborhoods, schools, traffic, and open space. She stated these are fair questions deserving real answers and indicated the council will work to ensure the plan works in practice, not just on paper.

Q: Where can I find more Summit government news?
A: Union County Life covers Summit government actions, planning decisions, and development projects. Subscribe to the Summit newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for ongoing coverage.