Affordable Housing Policy

Bordentown has been in the forefront of affordable housing and Eric Holliday is going to take his experience to the legislature to create policies to address affordable housing across the state. In response to New Jersey’s ongoing housing crisis, Eric Holliday for Assembly proposes a comprehensive housing policy that focuses on increasing affordable housing production, protecting tenants, and ensuring equitable access to homeownership. Central to this effort is the goal of doubling the production of affordable housing units smartly and prioritizing growth to occur in land where revitalization should take place. Eric Holliday will push for legislation that mandates at least 20% of all new transit-oriented developments include affordable housing. This will help address the growing housing shortage while ensuring that low- and middle-income families have access to quality, affordable living spaces.

To support homeownership, Eric Holliday advocates for enhanced first-time homebuyer programs, making mortgages more accessible, particularly for minority and young homeowners. Addressing wealth disparities, Eric Holliday will work to reduce the effects of historic redlining by providing resources that expand homeownership opportunities for communities of color. Tenant protection is another priority, with a focus on enacting statewide Right to Counsel legislation to ensure tenants facing eviction have access to free legal representation. Additionally, Eric Holliday will work to establish fair rent standards, limiting excessive rent hikes while balancing the rights of landlords.

Supporting innovative housing solutions, Eric Holliday will encourage municipalities to permit accessory dwelling units, offering financial incentives to homeowners who build them. This flexible solution can increase affordable rental options in suburban areas without disrupting the local community’s character. Repurposing underused properties, such as vacant malls and office spaces, into affordable housing will be another key part of the plan, using community benefits agreements to ensure that redevelopment projects provide economic and social opportunities for local communities.

Eric Holliday will also focus on streamlining the development process to speed up affordable housing construction. By setting deadlines for project approvals and promoting expedited permitting for affordable housing projects, this policy aims to reduce the bureaucratic obstacles that often delay housing development. Additionally, Eric Holliday will advocate for the removal of 30-year affordability caps, ensuring that affordable units remain affordable for the long term.