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.

Government & Public Policy
Assembly passes bill to disband COAH, recast blueprint for affordable housing obligations

The state Assembly has passed a bill that would revamp how New Jersey calculates each town’s affordable housing obligations, seeking to streamline a process that had languished in recent decades before being taken over by the state judiciary.

Government & Public Policy
EDA approves $25 million in grants for Newark, Atlantic City commercial corridors

State officials are sending more than $25 million in grant funds to support 13 businesses and commercial projects in the downtowns of Newark and Atlantic City.

Events
New Jersey Future, APA-NJ: Deadline near for planning and redevelopment forum topic proposals

With the annual New Jersey Planning and Redevelopment Conference less than four months away, organizers are seeking session proposals for the multiday program.

Residential & Mixed Use
EDA pledges $200 million Aspire tax credit for mixed-use ‘NJPAC District’ project in Newark

A sweeping plan to expand the New Jersey Performing Arts Center campus in Newark has secured a 10-year, $200 million tax credit award under the state’s Aspire program, in a key step for a project that would include 350 apartments and new commercial and community spaces.

Events
ULI Northern New Jersey unveils honorees for April awards gala

The Urban Land Institute’s Northern New Jersey chapter has announced the winners of its 2024 Excellence Awards, highlighting a host of projects and professionals involved in land use and development in the state.

Government & Public Policy
NJAA’s Trani promoted to manager of education

The New Jersey Apartment Association has promoted Alexa Trani to manager of education, with a focus on expanding the organization’s professional development platform.

Deals
Investor acquires 321-unit affordable housing tower in Camden, eyes $104 million rehab plan

Hudson Valley Property Group is planning a major preservation and rehabilitation of Northgate Apartments at 433 North 7th St. in Camden, with plans calling for site infrastructure upgrades, mechanical system replacements and many in-unit bathroom, kitchen and apartment safety improvements.…

Events
Rutgers unveils full lineup for high-profile symposium, case study on distressed assets

The lineup is set for next week’s Rutgers Center for Real Estate symposium on distressed property, where some two dozen industry experts will tackle the issue through the lens of a detailed case study.

Editor’s Note
Another chapter

As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, the city of New Brunswick ended 2023 on a high note when Nokia announced that it would become the new home of its iconic Bell Labs division. The company, which will move from its historic campus in the Murray Hill section of Union County, plans to occupy a built-to-suit, 360,000-square-foot research tower at the new HELIX campus by 2028. It’s slated to do so under a lease with SJP Properties, which will build the facility in partnership with New Brunswick Development Corp., the project’s master developer, in a signature deal for the city and for the three-building, multibillion-dollar redevelopment project.

Government & Public Policy
Cherry Hill farm parcel sold as open space for $3.9 million, Rose Commercial says

The township of Cherry Hill has acquired a 26-acre tract in the municipality for nearly $3.9 million, in a deal arranged by Rose Commercial Real Estate.