mGAP is extremely pleased to announce that it has recently launched its highly anticipated ADU Design Competition for regional architectural programs. With this competition, we aim to provide an exciting platform for STUDENT architects to showcase their innovative designs in the field of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). For more information about the competition and its details, please visit our Competition Details page.
Why ADUs:
- 1.4 million Americans have added ADUs to their single family homes.
- New rental income
- Increased assessed property value
- Maintains neighborhood streetscape
- New housing options for: caregivers, disabled relatives; returning college grad; local service workers
mGAP Advocacy for ADU’s:
- 2019: Ann Lippel and Frank Millspaugh, mGAP Board members, are founding members of M/SHAG (Montclair Senior Housing Advocacy Group)
- 2021: mGAP organizes ADU’s… What’s in it for You? virtual symposium to explore benefits of ADU construction in first ring suburban communities (details)
- 2021: mGAP compiles online ADU Resource Library
- 2022: Montclair ADU Task Force convened under leadership of Council Member Lori Price Adams. mGAP Board members Lippel and Millspaugh join Montclair ADU Task Force
- 2023: Montclair adopts Montclair Code Chapter 347 to expand ADU Ordinance to allow rentable units
- 2023: mGAP is awarded grant from The Partners for Health Foundation to organize an ADU competition among local undergraduate architectural programs
LOCAL ORDINANCE: On Tuesday night, March 23 2023, the Montclair Town Council voted to adopt the MONTCLAIR CODE CHAPTER 347: ZONING TO PERMIT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AS AN ACCESSORY USE FOR ONE- AND TWO- -FAMILY DWELLINGS IN THE R-O, R-O(A), R-1 AND R-2 ZONES.
ADU Ordinances Pending at NJ State Level:
There are two ADU bills pending in the New Jersey Legislature. A local ADU ordinance passed in Montclair. In 2021, Maplewood, NJ and Princeton, NJ passed their new ADU ordinances. In 2023 Jersey City and South Orange are working on their local ordinances. Public policy leaders across the nation are considering ADUs as a viable housing option for the future.
Learn more about ADUs and why public policy leaders support this new type of housing option:
ADU Transformation Video from United Dwelling
MGAP 2022 Symposium of Highlights (If you missed our May 20, 2022 Symposium, you can view the proceedings below:
Keynote Speaker: Eli Spevak: Eli is a commissioner on the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission, co-founder of https://accessorydwellings.org/, owns his own construction/consulting firm (http://www.orangesplot.net/staff/), and is consultant to AARP where he was the author of AARP’s The ABCs of ADUs.
Panel Discussion:
Peter Keating: Moderator, Investigative Journalist; MNDC Treasurer, Director of Montclair Chapter of United Way of Northern NJ
Zoe Baldwin: NJ Director, Regional Plan Association, leads research, planning, and advocacy that facilitate equitable, vibrant, and resilient communities through infrastructure and development
Laszlo Kiss: NJ architect with expertise in personalized service, progressive design concepts, and sustainable materials
Peter Yacobellis: Montclair Town Council Member at Large
Robin Seidon: Realtor and Founder of West of Hudson Real Estate Company
Wrap-Up Session: How Do We Do It Here?
Janice Tally: Montclair Town Planner
Marina Rubina: Princeton Architect, Innovative ADU designer
Symposium Organizing Committee:
Ann Lippel: President of Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place; Member of Montclair Housing Commission
Harold Simon: recently retired executive director of the National Housing Institute and publisher of Shelter Force. Mr. Simon is a long term member of the Montclair Housing Commission.
Frank Millspaugh: retired public broadcasting executive; Vice President of Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place
William L. Scott Sr.: Co-chair of Montclair Housing Commission, Chair of NAACP Housing Committee;
Susan Craig: Secretary of Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place
Ellie Bagli: Director of Public Relations for Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place
Marilyn Graham: Board Member, Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place
Peter Keating: Investigative Journalist; MNDC Treasurer, Director of Montclair Chapter of United Way of Northern NJ
Wendy Lacey: Proprietor of The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair, a business with a vision of fostering a community in which people of all abilities have opportunities for meaningful work, social engagement and active lifestyles.
Leslie Kunkin: Montclair Realtor
Questions? Contact: support@montclairgateway.com
From Town Hall to Back Yards – Building ADUs in NJ webinar
Speakers, Ann Lippel (mGAP President), Christina Kata and Marina Rubina