The mission of the Housing Authority of the Borough of Madison is to
provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for low and moderate-income
residents of the Borough of Madison.
The concern expressed by a handful of Madison citizens, to provide
affordable decent housing for the community’s low-income residents,
eventually led to the establishment of the Housing Authority of the
Borough of Madison in 1970.
Board Appointments
The Housing Authority of the Borough of Madison was created by municipal
ordinance, pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Local Housing
Authorities Law, NJSA 55:14A-1 to 55:14A-58. This law today has been
codified and is now referred to as the Redevelopment and Housing Law,
NJSA 40A:12A-1 to 40A:12A-49. The governing body appoints 6 members of
the Board of Commissioners for 5-year staggered terms, with 1 being a
mayoral appointment. The seventh member is a State appointment chosen
by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs of New Jersey
for a 5-year term.
Board Powers
The Madison Housing Authority is an autonomous body whose powers are
prescribed by state law and by a Housing Cooperation Agreement with the
Borough of Madison. Its powers cover a broad range, enabling it to
build, rehabilitate, maintain and operate housing for low and
moderate-income residents of the Borough. The Madison Housing Authority
functions within the legal restrictions of the Borough Zoning
Ordinance, which requires governmental approval of all variances and
zoning changes. However, if there are no variances or other zoning
approvals necessary, the Authority may proceed without any governing
body’s approval. All building undertaken by the Authority must conform
to all municipal and state building codes. The Authority may acquire
property by right of eminent domain, issue bonds for corporate purposes
and negotiate with the federal government for financial aid and
cooperation.