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Mount Laurel weighs condemning motels to add affordable housing units
Officials say two Route 73 motels could support 176 affordable units combined, after studies found both properties are in disrepair amid heavy police activity.
Mount Laurel, New Jersey is set to discuss whether it could condemn two Route 73 hospitality properties to help meet a state affordable housing requirement, according to Bisnow.
The Township Planning Board will consider studies by Harbor Consultants on the 108-room Red Roof Inn at 603 Fellowship Road and the 90-room Rodeway Inn at 1132 Route 73, which officials believe could be converted to 90 and 86 affordable units, respectively.
Mount Laurel could use eminent domain to acquire the sites, Township Solicitor George Morris told 70and73. If the board accepts the studies, the township would begin negotiations with the property owners and then select a redeveloper to build housing at the locations.
The Harbor Consultants reports cited disrepair at both motels and frequent police activity, including a 2025 Fire Department directive restricting entry at the Red Roof Inn without a police escort. Mount Laurel said it had an immediate need for 46 affordable units and an additional 380 by 2035, with its determinations tied to a 2024 New Jersey bill that strengthened enforcement of the Mount Laurel doctrine.