City of Linden Special Council Meeting: Affordable Housing & Redevelopment – March 12th, 2026

The City of Linden Special Council Meeting held on March 12, 2026, focused primarily on affordable housing and redevelopment initiatives. The council discussed several ordinances amending zoning laws to establish affordable housing overlay districts and redevelopment plans for areas including South Wood Avenue, Chandler Avenue, and Roselle Street. Key procurement-related topics included rezoning vacant land to allow higher density residential developments with mandated affordable housing set-asides, typically 20%, and the use of developer fees to fund affordable housing projects. The council approved multiple ordinances enabling developers to build mixed-use and affordable housing units, with some plans allowing up to 100% affordable housing. Public comments raised concerns about funding sources, transparency, and the impact on existing properties. Legal counsel clarified that these ordinances create incentives and options for developers rather than mandates, and that the city has mechanisms to collect non-residential fees to support these projects. Motions to approve the ordinances were passed unanimously by the council members present.