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.