CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) - A three-judge panel in New Jersey has put a partial hold on the Christie administration’s efforts to overhaul  the rules governing what towns must do to provide affordable housing within their borders.

The decision does not restore the controversial Council on Affordable Housing, but their rules have been reinstated for now,  to be handled by the Depertment of Community Affairs.

The Cherry Hill-based  Fair  Share Housing Center contends that Governor Chris Christie is seeking to allow wealthy towns to bypass public scrutiny in meeting court mandates on providing housing for those less well off.

“The governor’s rules for our state’s housing policy can’t result in secret proceedings, and instead must follow the law which requires that the public and municipalities and others have a say,” says FSHC associate director Kevin Walsh.

A full hearing on the affordable housing issue is scheduled for mid-February.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060