The debate on affordable housing in the Garden State took a colorful turn during a recent Wayne Council Meeting when one official claimed that it “destroys suburban towns” and hurts property owners.
Per a report from NorthJersey.com, Wayne Councilman Joseph Scuralli took a firm stand against affordable housing during a recent meeting. Scuralli, a Republican who represents the town’s 4th ward, claimed that New Jersey has the worst business climate in the U.S. partly because of policies like affordable housing.
Citing a 2023 study by the Tax Foundation, Scuralli noted that New Jersey struggles with high property taxes and ranks second-to-last in tax competitiveness, just above New York.
“That’s fair-share housing,” Scuralli said. “Unless, of course, you happen to be a property owner. It’s not fair for you. It might be fair to radical leftists in government whose friends are pocketing millions and millions of dollars to build these projects.”
Scuralli, who has been representing his constituents for over 20 years on the town council, continued to hammer New Jersey’s affordable housing mandates that were placed on the state’s towns following the landmark Mount Laurel State Supreme Court decision.
“This is disgusting — our government and judges are destroying the suburbs,” Scuralli added. “What did Stalin kill, 50 or 60 million people in the name of socialism? This is what you get.”
NorthJersey.com noted that the remarks led to mixed reactions, with some attendees leaving the council chamber in protest. Peter Rosky, a political opponent, called the conduct “unbecoming” in response.
But Scuralli remained defiant, responding that “I’ll continue to speak the truth to my constituents who elected me.”
The comments came as the Township Council passed a resolution to commit to a new state housing requirement. New Jersey requires its municipalities to create opportunities for the development of affordable housing following a 1975 State Supreme Court ruling on the matter.
In 2025, New Jersey will enter the fourth round of affordable housing obligations under the Mount Laurel Doctrine. Town’s obligations will be reassessed based on the state’s growing and changing population.
