What does the year 2019 have in store for New Jersey’s commercial real estate market? We recruited some of the most influential developers, professionals and thought leaders in New Jersey commercial real estate to give us their predictions for the year ahead.
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.
The changing landscape of stormwater management: New rule will require innovative techniques
On Dec. 3, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection published amendments to the state’s Stormwater Management Rule (NJAC 7.8) that, when adopted, will change fundamentally the way stormwater management systems are designed in New Jersey. The key amendment will replace the existing requirement, which asks developers to incorporate so-called non-structural strategies “to the maximum extent practicable,” with a firm requirement to use a technique known as green infrastructure in new development.
Parting thoughts: Outgoing NAIOP New Jersey president reflects on chapter’s growth — and continued priorities
As Dave Gibbons wraps up his two-year term as NAIOP New Jersey’s president, he says the organization has made strides with public policy goals such as a new performance bond law and liquor license reform, while growing to nearly 850 members to become the association’s sixth-largest chapter in the country. But he believes there is always more work to be done in both the legislative arena and when it comes to networking and recruitment.
Washington preps for divided government in 2019: New Jersey may benefit
A newly elected Congress returns in January with Republicans enjoying a slightly expanded majority in the Senate and Democrats taking charge of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2010. I believe that the shift of power in the House to a Democratic majority has opened some opportunities for those of us in New Jersey commercial real estate.
Policy watch
I’ll admit it: The prospect of writing about technical, complex environmental policy can be daunting and frustrating. Especially when it’s not your everyday beat. But there’s no getting around the importance of one policy in particular, at least when it comes to the future of New Jersey commercial real estate. If you polled a group of developers and service providers, many would tell you that the state’s Licensed Site Remediation Professional program has been critical, helping to unlock new opportunities at formerly contaminated sites and adding to the momentum of red-hot product types like industrial and multifamily. Some might find it hard to believe that next May will mark a decade since the program was born under the landmark Site Remediation Reform Act. But with that milestone fast approaching, the LSRP system is getting a fresh look from policymakers and stakeholders.