Woodbridge Council Expands Affordable Housing Funding, Advances Recreation Plans
Council boosts housing allocation to $5.5 million, moves to preserve former School No. 14 site while celebrating championship youth athletes
Adams Towers in Woodbridge Township provides subsidized, income-restricted housing for seniors and residents with disabilities. The township council recently approved additional funding tied to affordable housing programs. (source: Woodbridge Housing Authority)
Chris Howell | January 21, 2026
The Woodbridge Township Council approved millions of dollars in new affordable housing funding Tuesday night, advanced plans to preserve the former School No. 14 property for public recreation, and took steps toward future redevelopment during a meeting that blended consequential policy decisions with moments of community pride.
Affordable Housing Funding Expanded to $5.5 Million
Council members voted to rescind a prior affordable housing resolution and authorize up to $5.5 million in funding for deed-restricted affordable housing, a move with township-wide implications for future development and long-term housing policy.
The revised funding authorization will require approval from the court overseeing Woodbridge’s affordable housing compliance. While officials did not identify specific projects tied to the funding, the action signals continued investment in meeting state obligations.
The funding would benefit low- and moderate-income residents by supporting housing with built-in affordability protections. Deed restrictions ensure those homes stay affordable long-term, preventing them from being resold at full market prices.
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Former School No. 14 Site Targeted for Recreation and Green Space
The council also advanced plans for the former School No. 14 property on Ford Avenue, combining land acquisition and preservation measures aimed at creating permanent public recreational space.
Council members authorized the township to acquire the property and approved filing with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program to formally dedicate the land for recreational use. Once protected under Green Acres, the site cannot be used for housing or commercial development.
Officials outlined plans for an inclusive playground, walking paths, and other community-accessible amenities designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities. Design work is expected to begin later this year.
Youth Sports Champions Celebrated Before Official Meeting
Before the regular meeting was formally called to order, township officials recognized three youth teams whose accomplishments drew packed seating and extended applause from families gathered in council chambers.
The Avenel Middle School Boys and Girls Basketball teams were honored after completing the first undefeated seasons in school history, with the girls’ team also capturing a district championship. The Crimson Knights Cross Country Team was recognized for winning a national championship at the National Youth Cross Country Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Students and coaches were presented with certificates as parents filled the room, turning the start of the evening into a celebration of youth achievement before council business began.
New Redevelopment Designations
Also during the regular meeting, the council approved resolutions designating two properties as areas in need of redevelopment, a step that allows the township to explore long-term planning options.
The designations apply to properties at 20–52 Gills Lane in Iselin and 1177 Rahway Avenue in Avenel. In addition, the council authorized a preliminary investigation for a property at 70 Wood Avenue South to determine whether it qualifies for redevelopment status.
Officials emphasized that redevelopment designations do not authorize construction, but instead provide a planning framework for potential future use.
Parents and family members crowd the council chambers as Woodbridge Township officials honor undefeated Avenel Middle School basketball teams and the national champion Crimson Knights youth cross country team. (Woodbridge Television)
$2.2 Million Ice Chiller Replacement Approved
Council members approved a contract of up to $2.195 million for the replacement of an ice chiller at the Woodbridge Community Center, a major capital improvement tied to maintaining the facility’s ice rink.
Township officials described the replacement as necessary infrastructure maintenance but did not provide a detailed project timeline during the meeting.
Street and Drainage Improvements Approved Across Township
The council approved drainage improvement projects at nine locations, along with a final change order for Markley Street improvements.
The drainage upgrades will take place at:
- Andrews Avenue
- Brewster Road
- Cliff Road
- Ford Avenue
- Hampton Road
- Hickory Road
- Inman Avenue
- Port Reading Avenue
- Rahway Avenue
The projects are intended to improve stormwater management and reduce localized flooding in affected neighborhoods.
Additional Business
Other actions included approval of a municipal vehicle purchase, a liquor license transfer for Anais Lounge, and routine administrative matters such as tax refunds, grant acceptances, and veteran-related exemptions.
The meeting concluded without extended public comment.