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.

Extending a hand to Solomon, Jersey City landlords call for more housing to solve budget, affordability woes

Following a contentious campaign, the Jersey City Apartment Owners Association said it was eager to work with new Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, reaffirming its belief that the best way to solve the city’s budget and affordability crises is to build more housing.

NJBA, NJBIA file appeal to stop Murphy-backed flood elevation rules for development

Two top business groups are going to court to block controversial land use and flood protection rules adopted on Gov. Phil Murphy’s last day in office, stepping up their defense against a program that they’ve long said will cripple development throughout the state.

Sayreville issues RFP for bar, restaurant on riverfront property with ‘huge potential’

Officials in Sayreville are seeking proposals for a new “destination-quality” waterfront bar and restaurant along a picturesque but vacant stretch of the Raritan River.

Goldsmith, esteemed Greenbaum redevelopment lawyer, joins NRBP Real Estate Council

Robert S. Goldsmith, a partner with Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP and one of the state’s most accomplished land use and redevelopment lawyers, has joined the Newark Regional Business Partnership’s newly formed Real Estate Council.

BPU greenlights massive expansion of community solar, launching new 3,000-megawatt block

A sweeping expansion of New Jersey’s community solar program is set to begin, allowing for a new wave of clean energy projects that benefit both residents and commercial landlords.

Solomon: KRE to add affordable housing to Journal Square project, ending plans for Pompidou museum

KRE Group has officially scrapped plans to house a highly touted museum in its latest Jersey City rental project, opting instead to bring affordable housing and potential community space to the site under an agreement with the city’s new mayor.

Atlantic City: Kushner advances long-awaited waterfront rental project with CRDA approval

Kushner has taken another step in a plan to build 180 new apartments in Atlantic City, securing a key entitlement from the state’s Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

Things to do

As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, the Queen City is now working to attract new retail, recreation and dining options to support its growing population. Look no further than PickleRage, the new 40,000-square-foot pickleball club that just opened under a project by ECA Developers. That’s just one example, according to the story by Marlaina Cockcroft, coming alongside a new $10 million aquatics complex that debuted last summer and plans for a 55,000-square-foot recreation and cultural center with a pool, event and performance space, workforce development facilities and an art gallery, as well as a building with 220 affordable units.

A guiding force: Why time with Newark Alliance will loom large for new EDA chief Weiss

Evan Weiss had his reasons for leaving state government in 2021. One of them, he recalls, was “because I started to feel so removed” from the constituents who were affected by the sweeping policies and billions in funds he helped deploy as a top adviser to Gov. Phil Murphy.

He rediscovered that connection as head of the nonprofit Newark Alliance, a role he held for four years — and one that will loom large as he returns to Trenton as CEO of the state Economic Development Authority.

ICE buys vacant 470,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Roxbury, intensifying battle over planned detention center

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly has closed on a 470,000-square-foot warehouse in Roxbury that it plans to use as a detention center, completing a long-rumored deal that has sparked intense backlash in recent weeks and confusion in recent days.