MCKEON RECOGNIZED FOR MONUMENTAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION FOR DISABLED AND ELDERLY RESIDENTS
Lawmaker Recognized for Championing Rights of Elderly, Disabled Residents (TRENTON) -- Assemblyman John F. McKeon today was honored by the Community Health Law Project (CHLP) for his outstanding efforts in sponsoring and serving passage of a new state law requiring newly constructed affordable housing units to be adaptable for use by elderly and disabled persons.

The new law crafted by McKeon requires that affordable housing units provide disabled residents with a barrier-free entry; housing that can accommodate the use of a wheelchair; an accessible bedroom and full-service restroom; and all rights already afforded to disabled residents under the state’s barrier free sub-code.
The legislation was also sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden and was signed into law by Governor Codey in January 2006.

"Affordable housing choices in New Jersey are extremely scarce but residents with special needs have even greater difficulty finding a home that is accessible and affordable," said McKeon (D-Essex). "This law ensures that the construction of new affordable housing takes into account the special needs of New Jersey’s disabled and elderly residents."

The law requires that all units built under a municipality's fair share obligation to the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) be adaptable for use by a disabled person. The term adaptable refers to a unit that is wheelchair accessible as constructed or can be easily modified with minimal expense and effort.

The new law also requires that one of the public members appointed to COAH represent the interest of disabled persons and have expertise in the construction of accessible units for the disabled.

According to COAH there will be more than 60,000 units of affordable housing constructed across the state during the next ten years. The need for accessible housing continues to rise, currently more than 42 percent of New Jersey’s residents are low-income earners.

The efforts of McKeon were publicly recognized at a State House even organized by the CHLP along with various other organizations that work for the rights of the psychically disabled in New Jersey including:
American Association of Retired People (AARP), United Spinal, Resources for Independent Living, NJ Protection and Advocacy, Arc of New Jersey, People Support Network and Adapt/NJ, Disability Advocates for Western NJ, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Heightened Independence & Progress, Bergen County Division on Disability Services, Progressive Center for Independent Living, NJ Developmental Disabilities Council, Monday Morning Group, Project Freedom and the State Independent Living Council.

The CHLP is a nonprofit advocacy and legal services organization dedicated to serving the needs of low-income people with disabilities and the frail elderly of New Jersey. CHLP was established in 1976 and currently represents over 50,000 residents in civil rights litigation and advocating for an end to discriminatory practices.

"It is a pleasure and an honor to receive recognition from organizations that work tirelessly for equal opportunities for New Jersey’s disabled residents," said McKeon. "I applaud these organizations for their dedication that they demonstrate each and every day. I also commend the outstanding efforts of Senators Codey and Madden. Together we have improved the living conditions and quality of life for many New Jerseyans with physical disabilities."

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