New Jersey’s commercial real estate industry is navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, and insights from NAIOP New Jersey’s annual Public Policy Symposium provided critical guidance on what lies ahead. Held at the Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training Center in Edison, the event gathered developers, legal experts, and policymakers to discuss the state’s legislative priorities and the impact of regulatory shifts on the built environment.
Opening the event, NAIOP NJ CEO Dan Kennedy laid out the association’s agenda for working with New Jersey’s next governor. With the gubernatorial race underway, Kennedy emphasized the need for a reset in the relationship between the state and commercial real estate stakeholders to drive economic development. NAIOP NJ’s policy priorities include:
- Land use law reform to streamline development approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays.
- A balanced energy policy that meets sustainability goals while maintaining economic competitiveness.
- Expanded workforce training to equip labor forces with skills needed for modern construction and property management.
- Ongoing support for the Gateway Development Project, ensuring infrastructure investments keep pace with economic growth.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards updated attendees on the UCC Self-Certification Program, designed to increase efficiency in project approvals. A panel discussion led by James Rhatican, VP of Land Use and Development, Assistant General Counsel at Hartz Mountain Industries, examined how self-certification could reduce project timelines and associated costs. Panelists Andrew Thompson, president of AIA New Jersey, and Daniela Bartelli, VP of Land Development and Client Relations at Walsh Company, provided case studies on successful applications of the program.
With environmental policies directly influencing project feasibility, Emily Lamond of Cole Schotz P.C. moderated a panel on regulatory developments affecting land use. Key legislative updates included:
- Revisions to wetland protection laws impacting site selection and permitting.
- The Inland Flood Protection Rule, which alters floodplain development requirements.
- NJ PACT (Protecting Against Climate Threats), a set of evolving regulations that affect redevelopment projects.
Panelists Jennifer Phillips Smith of Gibbons P.C., Kristopher Krzyston of T&M Associates, and Scott Bisbort of Langan shared insights on mitigating risks and adapting to changing compliance frameworks.
A discussion on New Jersey’s Aspire Program, a state-backed tax incentive initiative for real estate projects, underscored its role in fueling investment and revitalization. Anthony Pizzutillo of Pizzutillo Public Affairs led the conversation, featuring perspectives from:
- Cecilia I. Lassiter, chair of state and local incentives practice, Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.
- Brendan Pytka, director of tax credits and incentives, Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP
- Steven Mlenak, partner/co-chair, redevelopment and land use department, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP
Panelists explored the Aspire Program’s role in attracting capital, the challenges of securing tax credits, and how incentive programs shape the commercial real estate landscape.
NAIOP NJ’s Public Policy Symposium highlighted the complex intersection of legislation, regulation, and economic development in New Jersey’s commercial real estate market. With upcoming elections set to influence state policies, industry leaders will continue advocating for pro-business initiatives that drive investment, reduce regulatory hurdles, and strengthen New Jersey’s position as a commercial hub.
