Christie Abolishes Council on Affordable Housing

Gov. Chris Christie has abolished the Council on Affordable Housing, or COAH.

The governor submitted a reorganization plan to the Legislature back in June to do away with the controversial agency.

New Jersey courts have ruled that towns are obligated to provide housing for lower-income people and COAH was formed to implement those rulings.

COAH determined communities' obligations to provide housing for lower income residents. Those functions will now be transferred to the Department of Community Affairs.

The Legislature had 60 days to act to block the move but didn't.

Many municipal officials have criticized its work and DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa says the move will reduce a bureaucratic log-jam.

Fair Share Housing Center, an advocacy group for low-income residents, says the move is a power grab by the governor.