MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, October 8, 2025 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly with a Salute to the Flag.

Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 27, 2024; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Board Members Hemant Patel, Andrea Pellezzi & Alternate I Member Arnold Riback.

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Kelly Carey, Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz, Board Planner Trevor Taylor, Affordable Housing Secretary Jeffrey Mogila & Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci.

ABSENT: Board Member Richard Lans & Alternate II Milind Desai.

Chairwoman Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(0) Members of the Public were in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – July 9, 2025

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Andrea Pellezi and seconded by Alternate I Arnold Riback, the Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – July 9, 2025 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Milind Desai          Absent

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Board Member Arnold Riback and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – September 2, 2025 Special Meeting was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Milind Desai          Absent

Board Attorney’s Report, Kelly Carey, Esq.:

• Overview of Ethics Rules – Board Attorney Kelly Carey gave an overview of the Ethics Rules and establishment of the By-Laws. Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly questioned if the ethics rules have been around our are new requirements of the board members to which Board Attorney Kelly Carey answered that these rules have been around.
• Approval of By-Laws of the Affordable Board – Board Members asked for more time to review the By-Laws to which Board Attorney Kelly Carey noted that we would postpone the adoption of the By-Laws at tonight’s meeting and instead have them considered at the next Board meeting scheduled for January 14, 2026.

Board Planner’s Report, Christopher Douchney, CME Assoc.  – No Report.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering: No Report.

New Business: No new business.

Old Business: No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                     

• No public comment

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Arnold Riback the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Milind Desai          Absent

Jeffrey Mogila

Affordable Housing Secretary

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairwoman Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on August 29, 2025; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Board Members Hemant Patel, Andrea Pellezzi, Alternate I Member Arnold Riback and Alternate II Member Milind Desai. 

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Kelly Carey, Esq., Board Planner Trevor Taylor & Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci.

ABSENT: Affordable Housing Secretary Jeffrey Mogila & Board Member Richard Lans.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(0) Members of the Public were in attendance.

Board Attorney Kelly Carey, Esq. advised that going forward the Board will hold any Special/Emergency meetings in person or via zoom, as permitted, to remain in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Andre Pelezzi, the RESOLUTION – RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING REHAB LIEN FOR MT-350-20 (100% Repayment due back to Twp. in the amount of $20,970.00) was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                                 Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                            Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                               Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                                Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                               Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback             Aye

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Board Member Andrea Pelezzi, the RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING AWARD OF REHABILITATION CONTRACT FOR MT-383-25 (Award of Contract to Icon Industries, LLC in the amount of $53,820.00) was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                                 Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                            Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                               Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                                Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                               Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback             Aye

Public Comment (5-minute time limit unless further time is granted by the Chair): None.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Arnold Riback the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                                 Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                            Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                               Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                              Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                              Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback              Aye

Tanya Pannucci

Affordable Housing Coordinator

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING 

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly with a Salute to the Flag.

Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 27, 2024; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL the following members of the Board were present: Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Board Members Hemant Patel, Andrea Pellezzi, Alternate I Member Arnold Riback & Alternate II Milind Desai

ALSO PRESENT: Christopher A. Zingaro, Esq. from Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC, Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz, Affordable Housing Secretary Jeffrey Mogila & Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci.

ABSENT: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Board Member Richard Lans & Board Planner Malvika Apte,

Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(3) Members of the Public were in attendance.

Appointment of Board Attorney – Kelly Carey, Esq.

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Arnold Riback and seconded by Board Member Andrea Pellezi, the Appointment of Kelly Carey, Esq. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – April 9, 2025

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Andrea Pellezi and seconded by Alternate I Arnold Riback, the Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – April 9, 2025 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

Board Attorney’s Report, Kelly Carey, Esq.:

• Board Attorney Kelly Carey met with Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci and Board Secretary Jeffrey Mogila for an introduction the previous week. Carey gave a brief background working for municipalities in NJ and will provide constant updates on affordable housing.

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering:

• Rasimowicz stated that (2) rehabilitations are finishing up and that (1) will be coming up soon.

Christopher D. Zingaro, Esq. from Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC – Round 4 A.H. Update:

• Attorney Zingaro gave a brief update on the Township’s responsibilities in fulfilling the required Round 4 affordable housing obligations. He explained the Township’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan was adopted by the Township’s Planning Board on June 26, 2025 and endorsed by a Resolution of the Township Council on June 30, 2025. He reminded all that the Township’s Round 4 obligation is to provide zoning for 460 affordable housing units, 345 of which are provided by the plan approved and endorsed by both the Planning Board and Township Council and the other 115 provided from bonus credits received from projects such as Valor Poine, Cranbury Care Center, Roclene Manor and two new 100% municipally sponsored projects and a development being built by JSM located on Applegarth Road which will have a 30% set aside which is hugely beneficial towards meeting our obligation.

New Business:

• No new business.

Old Business:

• No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                          

• No public comment

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel Vice Chairman and seconded by Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback          Aye

Jeffrey Mogila

Affordable Housing Secretary

NEXT MEETING: October 8, 2025

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2025 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairwoman Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 27, 2024; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Board Members Richard Lans, Hemant Patel, Andrea Pellezzi and Alternate I Member Arnold Riback. 

ALSO PRESENT: Board Planner Malvika, Christopher A. Zingaro, Esq. from Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC, Affordable Housing Secretary Jeffrey Mogila & Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci.

ABSENT: Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery & Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(3) Members of the Public were in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – January 8, 2025

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Andrea Pellezi and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – January 8, 2025 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq.:  No Report – Absent.

Resolution read aloud by Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci:

• RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR ROUND 4 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLANNING SERVICES WITH PLANNER LEON S. AVAKIAN – JENNIFER BEAHM, P.E., P.P., C.M.E., C.P.W.M. (additional $8,700 for 2024)

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Arnold Riback, the Authorization modification to professional service contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing planning services with planner Leon S. Avakian – Jennifer Beahm P.E., P.P., C.M.E., C.P.W.M.  was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback         Aye

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering: No Report – Absent.

Resolutions read aloud by Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci:

• RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING AWARD OF REHABILITATION CONTRACT FOR MT-381-24 (Contract amount $51,440)

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Board Member Arnold Riback and seconded by Board Member Richard Lans, the Authorizing award of rehabilitating contract for MT-381-24 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback          Aye

• RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING AWARD OF REHABILITATION CONTRACT FOR MT-382-24 (Contract amount $88,044)

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Authorizing award of rehabilitating contract for MT-382-24 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                            Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback          Aye

Christopher D. Zingaro, Esq. from Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC – Round 4 A.H. Update:

• Zingaro provided an update that Affordable Housing program amended last bill. By 1/31/25, Municipalities had to submit obligations for Round 4. Mr. Zingaro explained that numbers have been established but doesn’t necessarily have to be that number. Mr. Zingaro also said the legislature is set and a plan needs to be submitted to gain immunity before 1/30/25. When 4^th Round opportunity for Veteran’s project was brought up, Chairwoman Miram Cohen stated the goal was to fill Veterans to capacity. Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci added that 37 units are 100% occupied and 43 units are veteran preference.  Alternate I Arnold Riback asked why are we not getting the capacity filled?  Affordable Housing Coordinatory Tanya Pannucci stated there are not enough veterans who qualify.

New Business:

• No new business.

Old Business:

• No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                     

• Michelle Arminio asked if the unit cap is just on the Affordable Housing units for Round 3; Christopher Zingaro, Esq. from the firm Rainone, Coughlin & Minchello explained it is applicable to Round 3 with the obligation being 851. He went on to explain that if the obligation is more than 1,000 you only have to provide for 1,000 adding that a settlement brought the number down and they are looking at ways to provide credits from Round 3 to Round 4. Arminio stated that it doesn’t seem to hit the obligation and this 1,000 cap does not help us. Board Planner Malvika Apte added that mechanisms are still going on to which Mrs. Arminio asked if on paper we met the obligation; Board Planner Malvika Apte answered yes that the Township is actively meeting those obligations, adding that the rules are new and if over 1,000 units we will be capped at 1,000 as this can be used as credits into the next round.  She further explained that we are aggressively trying to meet our number.  Lastly, Mr. Zingaro gave an overview about how the surplus units are factored into our obligation.

UPON MOTION made by Vice Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Arnold Riback          Aye

Jeffrey Mogila

Affordable Housing Secretary

NEXT MEETING: JULY 9, 2025

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, January 8, 2025 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly with a Salute to the Flag.

Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 27, 2024; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci, the following members of the Board were present: Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Members Richard Lans, Hemant Patel and Andrea Pellezzi. 

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Board Planner Malvika Apte, Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Christopher Zingaro from Township Attorney Rainone, Coughlin & Minchello’s firm.

ABSENT: Affordable Housing Secretary Jeff Mogila, Chairwoman Miriam Cohen and Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback.

Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

1 Member of the Public was in attendance.

Re-Appointment of Board Attorney: Jerome J. Convery, Esq.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Re-Appointment of Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Esq. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Re-Appointment of Board Vice-Chairman: Randy Beverly

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the Re-Appointment of Board Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Board Secretary: Jeff Mogila

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Appointment of Board Secretary Jeff Mogila was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Board Planning Consultant: Robert Russo, PP & Malvika Apte, PP of CME Associates

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the Appointment of Board Planning Consultant Robert Russo, PP & Malvika Apte, PP of CME Associates was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Rehabilitation: Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Rehabilitation – Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Services: Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Services – Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Administrative Agent for Affordable Housing: Piazza & Associates

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Appointment of Administrative Agent for Affordable Housing – Piazza & Associates was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Award of Prof. Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Legal Services: Township Attorney (Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC) - Louis N. Rainone, Esq.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the Award of Prof. Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Legal Services: Township Attorney (Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC) - Louis N. Rainone, Esq. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Award of Prof. Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Planning Services: Planner (Leon S. Avakian) – Jennifer Beahm, P.E., P.P., C.M.E., C.P.W.M.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Award of Prof. Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Planning Services: Planner (Leon S. Avakian) – Jennifer Beahm, P.E., P.P., C.M.E., C.P.W.M. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – October 9, 2024

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the MINUTES of the October 9, 2024 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq. – No Report.

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering – No Report.

New Business:

• Christopher Zingaro, Esq. from the firm Rainone, Coughlin & Minchello gave an overview of the Round 4 Affordable Housing process, explaining that a new law was implemented last year and our first step is to determine our obligation and present the need of the number of new units to be constructed. He went on to explain that a presentation will be made by the Round 4 Affordable Housing Planner, Jennifer Beahm at the January 29^th Council meeting recommending to Council what the determined obligation is to be presented to the court. Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi asked what methodology is used to calculate our obligation to which Attorney Zingaro responded that it is a very mathematical process and gave a brief overview of that process. Board Member Hemant Patel asked how many units from prior rounds have been constructed and will be applied to the current Round 4 determination; Board Planner Malvika Apte responded that approximately 36% of units have been constructed to date.  

Old Business:

• Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci gave a brief update on Valor Pointe, stating that to date approximately 166 applications have been received, with an uptick expected once the building is fully completed. It was also shared that tenants are expected to move in by the end of month.

Public Comment:                                                                                                          

No members of the public wished to speak.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Board Member Richard Lans the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Absent

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Tanya Pannucci

Affordable Housing Coordinator

        NEXT MEETING: APRIL 9, 2025

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9, 2024 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 29, 2023; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Affordable Housing Secretary Jeff Mogila, the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Member Kenneth Hilyard, Member Richard Lans, Member Hemant Patel, Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback and Secretary Jeffrey Mogila.  

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Board Planner Malvika Apte.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

• Members of the Public were in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – July 10, 2024

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Kenneth Hilyard, the MINUTES of the July 10, 2024 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq.: 

• RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN FOR MT-380-23

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the Resolution recommending the release of affordable housing lien for MT-380-23 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

• RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN FOR MT-348-20

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chariman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Resolution recommending the release of affordable housing lien for MT-348-20 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering

• PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING REHABILITATION MARKETING, ROUND 4 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLANNING & VETERANS HOUSING ADMINISTRATION TO CENTER STATE ENGINEERING

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback, recommending the professional services contract for Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Marketing, Round 4 Affordable Housing Planning & Veterans Housing Administration to Center State Engineering was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Engineer’s Report – Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering – Reported that he attended a walk through of the Valor Pointe development with Construction and shared that the inside of the units are being worked on with paint, cabinetry, as well as the outside waiting on the final course of asphalt.

Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci added that applications are not yet available for Valor Pointe but are expected to be released by the end of the year with fulfillment beginning in the new year.

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – Reported that there is a new affordable housing reporting system that the State is requiring all municipalities to utilize. She gave an overview of where we are in meeting our obligation, summarizing that we are on target.

New Business:

• No new business

Old Business:

• No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                               

Rosaline Ng, Township Resident – Mrs. Ng explained that she went to Piazza & Associates inquiring about Affordable Housing and Piazza & Associates told her that rental units were for sale.  Mrs. Ng stated she is looking to buy an Affordable Housing unit to which Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci explained that applications are online with a listing of all the units.  Mrs. Pannucci offered Mrs. Ng to stop in the office and she will go over with her personally.

Thomas DiPasquale, Township Resident – Mr. DiPasquale asked how many affordable housing units are assigned to veterans and seniors to which Chairwoman Cohen answered all of them are available for veterans and seniors to apply to. Mr. DiPasquale proceeded to ask if there is a quota from the State and what would happen if we are unable to fulfill our obligation; to which Board Planner Malvika Apte gave a brief overview of the Mount Laurel case, adding that there is an affordable housing constitutional requirement for every state and if we do not meet our obligation we lose our immunity from the lawsuit and a developer would then be permitted to sue the Township and ask the court to allow the developer to build the affordable housing.   

Yann-yn Lin, Township Resident – Ms. Lin asked what the price range is for affordable units to which Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci answered.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Jeffrey Mogila

Affordable Housing Secretary

NEXT MEETING: January 8, 2025