Congressman Leonard Lance Accepts Award from Builders For Making Housing More Accessible
Sep 20, 2016, 08:17 ET
BERNARDSVILLE, N.J., Sept. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Standing in front of an under-construction condominium project, U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, R-7, today accepted a Defender of Housing Award from the National Association of Home Builders and its local organization, the Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association of New Jersey (Metro).
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"Mr. Lance is among a group of congress members who have built a strong record of defending housing from unnecessary laws and regulations that drive up the cost of homes," said Philip A. Calinda Jr., president of Metro. "His positions and defense of common sense make it easier for families to achieve the American Dream of home ownership."
Michael Borodinsky, an associate vice president with the New Jersey Builders Association, added that Lance recognizes that builders must be able to work smarter, more efficiently and without a lot of unnecessary regulations.
"He recognizes that legislation should be smarter and should do more to promote what's in everyone's interest, and that's affordable housing," said Borodinsky.
The award acknowledges forward-thinking federal legislators who recognize housing's significant role in the U.S. economy and who continually show their strong support for positions shared with NAHB on key issues facing the industry. Lance said he recognized how important home building was.
"It's incredibly important that all Americans have the opportunity to have the housing of their choice," he said. "It's incredibly important that housing be affordable. And it's incredibly important that those who build our dwellings have to opportunity to do so without undue red tape and regulation."
Lance also called for tax reform to become a bigger part of the presidential debate, noting that it would help improve the financial status of middle-class Americans.
Lance accepted the award at a brief ceremony at 25 Mill Street, a condominium complex under construction in downtown Bernardsville. Calinda pointed out that the complex represents the features today's New Jersey home builders try to incorporate in their work: energy efficiency; sites that replace abandoned or aging structures with new, vibrant homes; a walkable community and locations close to public transportation.
Lance got a close look at the 23 new homes being built by Barry S. Solondz of DCL Holdings and at their impact. Solondz said he is using more than 40 subcontractors, generating many jobs. Soldonz is a past president of the local home builders association.
While not directly applicable to the Mill Street property, an NAHB report last year reported that the construction of a 25-home rental community would generate $3 million in local income; $550,000 in taxes and other revenue for the host municipality and 40 local jobs. Recurring impact of the homes would be $650,000 a year in local income; $125,750 in taxes and other revenue for the host community and 11 local jobs.
Members of Congress were nominated for the award by state and local home builders associations. Metro nominated Lance, who represents the majority of the residents in the six counties the association covers. Finalists were chosen by a panel of NAHB's elected leadership.
Other New Jersey congressmen receiving the award are Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11; Frank LoBiondo, R-2; and Chris Smith, R-4. In addition, senators and representatives from 33 others states will receive Defender of Housing awards.
The Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association of New Jersey is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and the New Jersey Builders Association. Metro, as it is known, represents about 300 builders, remodelers and tradespeople and professionals who work with the building industry across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. More information about Metro is available at www.metrobca.org or by calling its office at (973) 887-2888.
Media contact:
Doug Fenichel
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SOURCE Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association of New Jersey