MIDDLETOWN — Over the objections of developers, city officials have approved tougher housing standards.

        Middletown City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to approve new standards, eliminate some zoning districts, enact architectural codes and create a three-member architectural review board.

        The vote came after lengthy opposition from local developers and builders who say some of the codes are unfair to projects they have in development and to residents seeking affordable housing.

        “I want (the standards) to stay right where they are,” said Wayne Jabbard, owner of Wayne Jabbard Construction in Middletown. “Once you lock people out of affordable homes, they'll go to Trenton or Franklin and we won't get them back.”

        But city council members countered that while they understand the new standards, which includes the city's first minimum dwelling size, may initially cost developers more money in building their homes, the long-term benefits will help all residents.

        Councilwoman Laura Williams said the city's housing tax base for funding its public schools is eroding.

        The 7-0 vote means the new housing standards are enacted immediately, though builders who are in mid-project can appeal for a variance. The vote also ends a 60-day moratorium on issuing residential building permits and certificates for single and multi-family housing.

        In other action, council members also began preliminary reviews of a projected budget deficit for the city in 2003 of about $3.4 million.

        Mayor David Schiavone said the council will not vote on approving the city's 2003 budget until some time in December and that city officials are simply reviewing options, which he said currently does not include cuts in personnel or services.

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