1TRENTON, NJ – Two New Jersey state senators have introduced legislation that would make it easier for religious institutions and nonprofit organizations to convert their existing properties into housing developments that include affordable units.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) and Senator Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic), aims to address the state’s housing shortage by allowing conversions of unused or underutilized religious and nonprofit-owned buildings into inclusionary developments.

Under the proposal, these projects would be designated as a permitted use under municipal zoning rules, eliminating the need for use variances if the developments meet affordability and design standards.

Streamlining conversions for faith-based and nonprofit propertie

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