Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) … What’s in it for You?

mGAP will now take advocacy to next plateau by organizing an ADU Design Competition for regional architectural programs.

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 Partner for Health to organize an ADU competition among local undergraduate architectural programs

LOCAL UPDATE: 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. There is a local ADU ordinance pending in Montclair. In 2021, Maplewood, NJ and Princeton, NJ passed their new ADU 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

ADU Resource Library

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