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.

Biotech firm takes 28,000 sq. ft. in Jersey City, plans move from Brooklyn with EDA tax credit

A biotechnology firm is moving from Brooklyn to Jersey City after being awarded a seven-year, $3.5 million tax credit under the Economic Development Authority’s Emerge program.

Perth Amboy taps city native as executive director of redevelopment agency

The Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency has named a lifetime city resident and longtime public servant as its new executive director.

Premature electrification: Will we really have the power to last?

I admire the governor’s confidence that our utility companies and infrastructure will be ready to satisfy this new desire for electric power. However, it is unclear if New Jerseyans will be clamoring for more electricity. Most New Jerseyans can neither afford the price of an electric vehicle nor the additional costs of electric appliances, nor the utility itself. Nevertheless, I applaud the governor for prioritizing the need to combat climate change through an accelerated target of 100 percent clean energy by 2035, ambitious goal-setting for electrification of the state’s building sector with an additional 400,000 residential and 20,000 commercial units by 2030 and collaborative planning for the future of the state’s natural gas utilities.

Jersey City public housing complex to be rebuilt with 631 affordable, market-rate units

More than 600 new apartments and condominiums are coming to the site of an 80-year-old public housing complex in Jersey City, officials said, under a plan that would include both lower-income and market-rate units and a new branch of the city’s public library.

Maximizing value through placemaking

Thoughtful placemaking executed with the proper design strategies creates a vibrant, authentic sense of place offering value through rental and occupancy premiums and allows for real estate to evolve and meet current sustainable lifestyles. More than just mixed-use developments, successful placemaking projects seek to attract people, make them feel comfortable and activate the built environment in ways that encourage them to stay or return. Today’s residents, office tenants, retail patrons and pedestrians desire an integrated living, working, learning and shopping environment that is intentionally planned to create places that foster community and neighborhood growth.

Atlantic City: Vantage Commercial inks sale of 3.7-acre site slated for cannabis grow facility

The operator of a planned marijuana cultivation facility has acquired 3.7 acres in Atlantic City’s tourism district, brokers with Vantage Commercial announced Thursday.

Cannabis dispensary takes 2,500 sq. ft. for new West Orange location, Blau & Berg says

A new cannabis dispensary is coming to West Orange after completing a lease for 2,500 square feet, in a newly announced deal by The Blau & Berg Co.

Murphy calls for five-year phaseout of liquor license cap, tax credit for existing holders

Gov. Phil Murphy has revealed new details of a proposal to update the state’s decades-old liquor licensing program, seeking to balance new economic growth with the interests of existing operators.

Godun named first-ever director for sustainability at Ware Malcomb

Ware Malcomb has tapped one of its top architects in the region as its director for sustainability, a newly created position for the international design firm.

Study: Meadowlands convention center, hotel complex would yield $30 billion over 30 years

A new Meadowlands convention center and hotel complex would generate $30 billion in new spending over 30 years, according to a study revealed Friday by supporters of the proposal.