Government & Public Policy

From zoning disputes to the federal tax code, public policy affects the commercial real estate sector far more than you may realize. For industry leaders, government and politics demand constant attention.

Editor’s Note
System updates

As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, New Brunswick is marking its latest and perhaps most monumental investment in health care with the opening of the 12-story, 520,000-square-foot Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center. Executives with RWJBarnabas Health, the Rutgers Cancer Institute and other key stakeholders unveiled the facility in mid-May, hailing the arrival of New Jersey’s first freestanding cancer hospital and one of only 13 in the country, part of a $1 billion project that has brought top-tier patient care and cutting-edge research labs under one roof.

Guest Columns
The ‘builders’ remedy’ strategy — and why it’s flawed

The “builders’ remedy” method, as an approach to solving New Jersey’s affordable housing crisis, is having a devastating impact across the Garden State. Many other options exist, options that should be squarely on the table. A shining example of these options is the construction of special needs and workforce housing, to name just some.

Government & Public Policy
Warren County debuts new-look library branch after $7 million project designed by DIGroup

The Warren County Public Library has unveiled a newly renovated and expanded branch in Blairstown after more than $7 million in upgrades spearheaded by DIGroup Architecture.

Featured
Perth Amboy warehouse, site of New Jersey’s first-ever community solar project, back in focus as Murphy, business leaders tout program’s role in reducing energy costs

As state officials look to tackle rising energy costs, a program that has brought rooftop solar panels to dozens of New Jersey warehouses has taken on added importance as a means of easing that burden without many of the risks and hurdles of major infrastructure projects.

Government & Public Policy
Westfield OKs changes to closely watched plan for new office, residential buildings downtown

A high-profile redevelopment project in Westfield is moving ahead with key changes, following the town’s approval of a plan that now includes nearly 200,000 square feet of office space, 205 residential units and a series of public improvements and new green spaces downtown.

Residential & Mixed Use
Sena, Cortell launch $124 million rehab of 304-unit Trenton affordable housing property

A joint venture has kicked off a sweeping $124 million project to modernize and preserve a two-building, 304-unit affordable housing property in downtown Trenton.

Residential & Mixed Use
Jersey City breaks ground on landmark Bayfront project with 80 percent affordable housing

A development team has broken ground on the first piece of Jersey City’s long-awaited Bayfront project, a key focal point in the city’s plan to expand its affordable housing stock.

Top News
Netflix joins Murphys, other officials to break ground on massive Fort Monmouth studio campus

Demolition is underway for Netflix’s long-awaited, $1 billion project to create a 1.1 million-square-foot studio campus at the historic Fort Monmouth property.

Government & Public Policy
Plan to replace Newark Bay Bridge moves ahead after environmental review by Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard has signed off on the first piece of a plan to rebuild the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension, supporting the findings of an environmental review by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and issuing a key permit to help the $6 billion project proceed.

Government & Public Policy
Coming together: Real estate, environmental leaders see continued partnership as New Jersey’s landmark community solar program expands

State regulators have renewed their support for a landmark program that has created not only new revenue streams for warehouse owners and solar developers, but a source of common ground for the business and environmental communities.