Summer v. Township of Teaneck

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Weintbaub, C. J.

This case, brought by a real estate broker, involves the validity of an ordinance of the Township of Teaneek dealing with “blockbusting.” On motion for summary judgment the trial court held the ordinance was beyond the legislative power of the municipality. We certified the Township’s appeal before argument in the Appellate Division.

Blockbusting is the practice of inducing owners of property to sell because of the actual or rumored advent into the neighborhood of a member of a racial, religious or ethnic group. The inducement is the…