Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • May 9, 2012 Committee to investigate COAH trust fund’s future by Jennifer Crusco On July 17, the New Jersey State Council on Affordable Housing plans to take any unspent money left in the local municipalities’ Affordable Housing Trust Funds. Late last month, the Ho-Ho-Kus Council approved a resolution that establishes a COAH Committee, which will review possible uses for the money available in the borough’s trust fund. Committee members include Planning Board Chairman John Hanlon, Borough Clerk and COAH Liaison Laura Borchers, Councilman Phil Rorty, Borough Attorney David Bole, and ex-officio members Mayor Thomas Randall and Borough Administrator Don Cirulli. The group was expected to hold its first meeting last week. Ho-Ho-Kus currently has $174,112 in its trust fund. The money accrued over the last 10 to 12 years, Cirulli said. He explained that a percentage of the permit fees charged to developers was contributed to the local trust fund for affordable housing. The goal was to use the money to create housing options for individuals and families with low and moderate income. Cirulli noted that the construction of affordable housing has been an issue for HoHo-Kus due to the lack of suitable land. Mad for macaws The Ho-Ho-Kus/Waldwick Cooperative Nursery School recently welcomed some furry and feathered visitors. Representatives from Pat’s Pals, an interactive animal program, came and taught the children about some amazing creatures, such as this gorgeous scarlet macaw. “We’re tight on space,” he said, noting that any vacant land within the borough usually is not buildable due to the presence of wetlands or Green Acres restrictions. However, building rehabilitation options are still available. Cirulli noted, for example, that a vacant house or apartment could be refurbished and designated as an affordable residence. “The general idea is for us to spend the money here in Ho-Ho-Kus on something someone can use instead of giving it to the state,” Cirulli noted. He said the committee’s goal is to explore various ideas and create a workable plan. In Waldwick, borough officials have supported a statewide effort to prevent New Jersey from forcing municipalities to forfeit funds collected at the local level to address affordable housing obligations. The push encourages legislation that would give municipalities another four years to use the money in their trust funds. Asked if Ho-Ho-Kus would also support the move toward an extension, Cirulli said municipal officials might consider doing so. However, he noted that the borough’s COAH planner, Mary Beth Lonergan of Clarke, Caton, and Hintz, has indicated that her firm is of the opinion that there is little chance the state will grant any extension of time.