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.

Real Estate NJ’s 2019 Market Forecast

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.

NAIOP: Comptroller report only reinforces need for updated incentives in New Jersey

New Jersey’s use of tax incentives drew harsh criticism from a new audit by a state watchdog agency, but commercial real estate leaders say they welcome the scrutiny — and see it as a step toward updating and renewing the programs later this year.

Newark affordable housing complex sells for $47.5 million

Jonathan Rose Cos. has sold a 360-unit, age-restricted affordable housing property in Newark for more than $47 million, according to brokers involved with the transaction.

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.

For LSRPs, a steady pipeline for years to come

Michael Novak, president of Atlantic Environmental Solutions Inc. in Hoboken — Courtesy: AESI The Licensed Site Remediation Professional program has undoubtedly eased the state’s backlog of contaminated sites. In the years to come, that volume could be a fraction of the…

Hampshire acquires Hackensack site, its first Opportunity Zone investment

The Hampshire Cos. has made its first investment under the federal Opportunity Zone program, acquiring a parcel near Hackensack University Medical Center that it will redevelop as part of a joint venture.

Kearny Point, Bell Works among sites eligible for EDA rent grants for startups

The state has approved nine locations at which technology or life sciences startups can apply for rent support grants that would help them move into incubators, accelerators or co-working spaces, including some of New Jersey’s largest redevelopment projects.

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.