Government & Public Policy
Bill to create new affordable housing framework clears state Senate, heads to Murphy’s desk

The next chapter of affordable housing in New Jersey is now in Gov. Phil Murphy’s hands, following the state Senate’s passage of a bill to revamp how officials calculate and enforce each town’s obligations under the landmark Mount Laurel doctrine.

Residential & Mixed Use
Hoboken-based Rockabill adds veteran multifamily developer as principal

Rockabill, a development partner and consultant to affordable, supportive and transitional housing owners, has added a multifamily industry veteran to its executive team.

Top News
Housing supply, affordability back in focus as Atlantic Builders Convention returns

The New Jersey Builders Association is set to welcome thousands of homebuilders, service providers and vendors to Atlantic City from Oct. 11 to 13 for the Atlantic Builders Convention, the largest building industry tradeshow in the Northeast, after an 18-month hiatus.

Government & Public Policy
Murphy halts all ‘non-essential’ construction in N.J., limiting residential and commercial activity

Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday tightened restrictions on the types of construction allowed under the state’s social distancing policies, as New Jersey continues its battle against the spread of COVID-19.

Guest Columns
The next chapter in affordable housing in New Jersey

Since 2015, more than 280 towns in New Jersey have signed settlement agreements for their affordable housing obligations, while a judge has determined the statewide need to be about 155,000 units and experts project that about 50,000 of those will be created by 2025. Frankly, the court process is way too far down the road to try and move it back to the Council on Affordable Housing or another state agency. But that is not to say there are not some issues worth discussing as we move forward.

Government & Public Policy
Policy priorities: New Jersey Apartment Association

Real Estate NJ set out to identify the biggest public policy issues for commercial real estate, as New Jersey begins a new legislative session and a new administration under Gov. Phil Murphy. Here are the issues identified by David Brogan, executive director of the New Jersey Apartment Association.

Residential & Mixed Use
Planting the seed: Developer pitching concept plan for redeveloping 653-acre former research complex

There was a time when the sprawling former American Cyanamid complex in West Windsor bustled with more than 1,000 employees and agricultural researchers. A developer hopes to see the property bustling once again — but in a much different way.

The Rundown
Town alleges conflict of interest in affordable housing case, citing judge’s ties to developer

Attorneys for the township of South Brunswick are accusing a former Superior Court judge of having a conflict of interest, citing his ties to a developer that he went to work for only months after ruling that the municipality must zone for at least 1,500 affordable housing units.

Government & Public Policy
Rebuilding affordable housing: After decades of policy purgatory, is N.J. finally ready to move forward?

Two years after the state Supreme Court shook up New Jersey’s affordable housing landscape, dozens of towns in the state may finally be ready to turn the page, even as many others dig in for what looks to be an even longer fight.

Editor’s Note
Life after COAH

Covering real estate had never crossed my mind when I came out of school and started as a metro reporter in Middlesex County. But it wasn’t long before I found myself at council meetings and planning board hearings, listening to developers make their pitch to a town.