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.

Policy Page
With a state government in transition, let’s build on our progress

As we prepare for the next governor and potential changes in the Legislature, it is important to recognize what New Jersey has accomplished in the last several years, continue this momentum and support these programs and initiatives. Our economy is certainly getting better, based on all the construction taking place and today’s low unemployment rate. Affordability and stagnant wages, however, remain challenges to many and are a big reason why a huge proportion of millennials are still living at home with their parents. Without immigration, our population would be dwindling.

Government & Public Policy
Payment solutions firm commits to 90,000 sq. ft. HQ in Lawrenceville, EDA says

An invoicing and payment software firm will relocate within Mercer County to nearly 90,000 square foot in Lawrenceville, state officials said Wednesday, thanks in part to a 10-year, $12.9 million tax credit that was awarded to the business earlier this month.

Retail
With construction underway once again, Christie touts economic impact of American Dream

The massive American Dream project is “progressing vigorously” in East Rutherford, Gov. Chris Christie proclaimed Monday, as he visited the site and sought to promote the outsized economic impact of the long-stalled retail and entertainment complex.

Government & Public Policy
Growing life sciences firms, Big Pharma giant offered EDA incentives

State officials have approved tax credits meant to help three pharmaceutical firms grow the industry’s footprint in New Jersey, while also dangling a nearly $40 million incentive to keep a global life sciences giant from pulling its U.S. headquarters out of the state.

Residential & Mixed Use
Bridgeton rental community slated for $18.7 million rehab

A multifamily developer has kicked off an $18.7 million rehab of a 156-unit property in Bridgeton, where it aims to modernize the community and expand services for residents.

Top News
Rutgers announces 2017 advisory board members

The Center for Real Estate at the Rutgers Business School has unveiled its 2017 advisory board and council of emerging leaders, adding to a roster that has come to include dozens of industry heavyweights and top professionals in New Jersey.

Government & Public Policy
EDA marks launch of street-level business incentives in five cities

State officials have formally rolled out two funding programs meant to spur investment in street-level retail space in five cities: Trenton, Paterson, Passaic, Camden and Atlantic City.

Professional Services
Architecture firm completes upgrades at Union County ice skating rink

Netta Architects has announced the completion of a $7 million renovation of an ice skating rink in Roselle, a project the firm designed on behalf of Union County.

Policy Page
Thinking green: The role of indoor farming in older industrial space

In a state where available industrial space is already in short supply due to our exploding e-commerce sector, asking prices and rents for older and smaller industrial buildings may soon be rising dramatically. Also on the rise will be demand for the power needed to fuel plant growth and maintain proper growing conditions.

Government & Public Policy
The case for the Gateway project: What if we couldn’t get into New York City?

Four hundred and fifty trains carry 200,000 riders through the twin tubes of a tunnel that connects Newark to New York every work day. Built by our great grandparents’ generation, that tunnel has carried trains since the Titanic was being assembled in an Irish boatyard over a century ago.