Published October 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
BERNARDS, N.J. — A groundbreaking new television series, Blueprints and Barriers: Decoding Affordable Housing in New Jersey — From Mt. Laurel to the Fourth Round, will take viewers on a deep dive into one of the most consequential and controversial issues shaping New Jersey’s communities: affordable housing.
Produced in partnership with Jersey 1st and hosted by seasoned media professional Lisa Allen, the series brings together policymakers, planners, mayors, and financial experts to explore how decades of housing policy — from the landmark Mt. Laurel decisions to the current fourth round of affordable housing mandates — have influenced local development, community character, and infrastructure across the Garden State. It airs on HTTV Monday, October 13th.
“Affordable housing is not just a policy issue, it’s a community issue that affects every New Jersey family, senior, and taxpayer,” said Lisa Allen, host of the series. “Through open, honest dialogue, we hope to illuminate both the challenges and opportunities that come with planning for the future of our state.”
“Jersey 1st is proud to support this important conversation,” said Rosemary Becchi, President and Founder of Jersey 1st. “By bringing together leaders with firsthand experience, this series will help residents understand how housing policy, zoning, and infrastructure intersect — and why getting this balance right is essential for New Jersey’s long-term success.”
Through candid conversations and real-world case studies, the five-part series unpacks the complex web of zoning debates, community planning, environmental challenges, and infrastructure constraints that define New Jersey’s housing landscape. The goal: to inform, engage, and inspire residents to understand how current policies shape our state’s future, and to explore ideas that can lead to balanced, sustainable growth.
Episode Guide
Episode 1: A Planner’s Perspective – History of Affordable Housing from Mt. Laurel to the Fourth Round
Guest: Kendra Lelie, Principal Planner, Kyle + McManus Associates
Episode 2: Zoned Out – How Zoning Shapes Communities and Who Should Control It
Guests:
● Senator Holly Schepisi, New Jersey State Senator (District 39), Partner at O’Toole Scrivo, LLC
● Cherron Rountree, President, Delta Strategies
Episode 3: Blueprint – How Finance, Redevelopment, and Affordable Housing Work
Guests:
● Mike Hanley, Principal, NW Financial Group
● Matt Jessup, Partner, McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC
Episode 4: Building Under Pressure: Mayors Discuss Housing Mandates — Opportunity or Overload?
Guests:
● Mark Taylor, Mayor, Borough of Florham Park; Vice President, Kam Marketing
● Jason Karr, Mayor, Borough of Morris Plains; Machine Operator, Morristown
● Jason Cilento, Mayor, Borough of Dunellen; CEO & Founder, Muni Nexus
Episode 5: Powering Down – Development’s Impact on Energy and Water
Guest: Mary-Anna Holden, Commissioner Emeritus, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Series airs on HTTV (Verizon TV33 or Comcast TV36 in 32 towns) and will also be available for streaming on HTTV Youtube channel: 48q1bLk1Wz4?si=Hiok39xgMSgbEEKt.