Villas on the Park Affordable Housing Leases Berkeley Heights

Residents of the affordable apartments at Villas on the Park urged the Berkeley Heights Township Council at its Tuesday, Oct. 20 meeting to say whether they can keep their homes, with leases set to expire in less than two weeks. Union County Life is summarizing the public comment and the council’s response.

Ms. Morales said many tenants have lived at the complex for 20 years or more. She said the landlord has been switching annual leases to month to month agreements, and some residents have waited months for new leases. “We are here tonight because the stability of our home is at risk, and the residents of Villas on the Park urgently need answers,” she said. “Villas on the Park is our home, not just an apartment complex.”

Residents said 14 units, and 14 families, are affected. Another tenant said her lease ends Oct. 31 and that residents have received nothing in writing about what comes next. “We have no information about anything,” she said. Another resident warned that if rents rise to market rate, longtime tenants, including retirees, would have nowhere to go. “Nobody has $10,000 to move,” she said.

Residents also described leaks, mold, mildew, and broken faucets that they said have gone unrepaired for about a year despite repeated complaints, and they said water bills are rising. Mayor Angie Devanney said the township’s construction official inspected the property after a tenant wrote a letter. Councilwoman Margaret Illis said she had visited the complex a couple of years ago. “It’s obvious they aren’t being well maintained,” she said.

Councilman Alvaro Medeiros confirmed that Berkeley Heights has no rent control, unlike some towns such as Elizabeth. Business administrator Liza Viana said the council was scheduled to be briefed Tuesday by the township’s affordable housing attorney and planner, but the professionals could not attend. Because the full council must discuss the matter in a formal executive session, the briefing moved to the next meeting, Nov. 10. The key questions, she said, are whether the township can extend the affordability controls and what the property’s original development agreement allows. “I know it’s been a long, protracted ordeal for everybody,” she said.

Officials said the township will contact residents after the executive session. Residents also asked whether the month to month leases had been approved by the program that administers the units, as they said is required. Officials did not have an answer on Tuesday.

Later in the meeting, a resident asked whether state laws limit how much landlords can raise rents. Medeiros said the township is developing a rent stabilization ordinance, but that it would not affect existing leases. The council is expected to take up the issue again on Nov. 10.

Find more Berkeley Heights government and local news at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Will Villas on the Park residents lose their homes?
The council did not answer that question on Oct. 20. The affordable housing briefing has been moved to Nov. 10, and officials said they will contact residents after an executive session.

Why was the briefing moved?
The affordable housing attorney and planner could not attend, and the full council must discuss the matter in executive session. The briefing moved to Nov. 10.

Does Berkeley Heights have rent control?
No. Councilman Alvaro Medeiros confirmed the township has no rent control. He said a rent stabilization ordinance is being developed and would not affect existing leases.

How many families are affected?
Residents said 14 units, and 14 families, are affected.