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Community Wellbeing | New Jersey League of Municipalities

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Sample Position Descriptions

Director of Human Services

This role is responsible for developing programs and services within a community to enhance the quality of life for residents. As a leadership role, the Director oversees the department’s strategic goals, leads in the creation of new programs, and is responsible for maintaining the department’s budget.

=""Education Level

Bachelors – Master’s degree

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Devils Defeat Predators 5-2 – The Hockey Writers – NHL News

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The Nashville Predators travelled to play the New Jersey Devils on Nov. 25. The Devils outscored the Predators, winning 5-2.

Game Recap

With the first period underway, there was already some excitement to be had. Not even a minute into the first period, there was already a penalty call. Alexandre Carrier was sent to the penalty box for hooking Jesper Bratt. Although the Devils had two minutes with an extra man advantage, they were not able to make the most of it.

Play continued, until 5:08 when Filip Forsberg scored the first goal of the game. Stealing the puck from the Devils, Forsberg shot from the right side of the net, seemingly with no chance of making the net. However, the puck found its mark, earning the Predators the first goal of the night. With eight minutes left in the period, the Devils were able to get one back and tie the game. Dawson Mercer had the puck, skating into the Devils goal zone. Passing it to Johnathan Kovacevic, he saw Erik Haula out in front of the net. He passed it to Haula, who was able to tip the puck into the net to start the scoring for the Devils.

Four minutes into the second period, the Devils were able to take the lead. Captain Nico Hischier scored the second goal, with an assist from Timo Meier. Hischier was able to out pace two Nashville players to score the second goal of the game and put the Devils in the lead.

Halfway into the second period, the Predators received a penalty for too many men on the ice. This time, the Devils were able to capitalize on this. Hischier found himself in front of a scrum in the net, where the two teams were vying for the puck. it came loose and went straight to him, who shot the puck and scored his second goal of the night. However, he was not done. Three minutes left to the period and Hischier earned his third goal of the game. With a pass from Stefan Noesen, he was able to skate to the front of the net unguarded once again. Hischier was able to net the fourth goal of the game for the Devils and earned himself a hat trick.

Nico Hischier New Jersey Devils
Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Eight minutes into the third period, the Predators scored their second goal of the night. Zachary L’Heureux received a pass from Roman Josi. L’Heureux was able to get a breakaway and scored the second goal of the night for the Predators. They slowly started to make their way back to a fighting chance.

Twelve minutes into the third, Meier received a 10 minute game misconduct and a five minute major penalty after a cross-check to L’Heureux. He did not return to the game.

Although the Predators were trying to fight their way back to a winning chance, it was the Devils who prevailed once again. The Predators pulled their goalie, but Justin Dowling earned his first goal of the season with an empty net shot, extending the Devils lead 5-2.

With 46 shots on net from the Devils compared to the Predators 21, the Devils had better shot attempts and it clearly showed in the final score.

Next Games

The Devils look to earn two more points when they host the St. Louis Blues on Wed. Nov. 27. The Predators also play on Wed. Nov. 27, where they look to pick up two points when they host the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 11/26/2024

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Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I think the senator has to take a look in the mirror and say ‘is there really a pathway for me?’ I think it’s very doubtful there is.” – Union GOP Treasurer Joe Sarno on the Senator Bramnick’s gubernatorial bid

 

TOP STORY: Fulop’s Palpitating Moves Intrude on Ongoing Ballot-Guv Dynamics

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off on Thursday and Friday, and will return on Monday. We wish all of our readers a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday weekend.

 

Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.

 

The Governor ordered departments to freeze hirings and salary increases, and reduce budgets by 5%, in an attempt to rein in spending in anticipating of a revenue drop, according to ROI-NJ.

 

New Jersey has a severe shortage of nurses and it’s likely to get worse, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

Congestion pricing is moving closer to reality, according to NJ Biz.

 

Senator Helmy co-sponsored the ‘Housing Survivors of Natural Disasters Act’.

 

Rep. Gottheimer was announced as the new co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus.

 

Rep. Menendez was elected Policy vice chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus.

 

Rep. Watson Coleman rejected a plan to bring a ICE detention center to Trenton.

 

Rep. Norcross reacted to the nomination of Rep. Chavez-DeRemer as Labor Secretary.

 

Rowan College of Burlington County President Cioce’s future is uncertain, according to Burlington County Times.

 

Roy Rogers is plotting a South Jersey comeback after 40 years, according to NJ Biz.

 

Moxie Strategies expanded its team and geography.

 

ICYMI: Gottheimer launched campaign for Governor; Sherrill launched candidacy for Governor; Democrats lost strength; voters aren’t familiar w/ guv candidates; Murphy addressed the loss of Democratic strength

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

In Morristown, a familiar name is resurfacing ahead of next year’s election.

 

In Jersey City, Baylock joined McGreevey’s council slate.

 

In Irvington, Councilman Vauss was sworn-in.

 

In Atlantic City, more weed businesses are on their way, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Bernardsville, the school BA resigned, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Clinton Township, a $1.75M bond was introduced to build an inclusive playground, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Edison, an ordinance was proposed to lease a property for the new first aid squad, according to TAPinto.

 

In Fair Lawn, the assistant superintendent is leaving, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

In Manchester, former school administrators are suing, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In New Providence, Dolan and Cumiskey won council seats, according to TAPinto.

 

In Old Bridge, a townhome development with affordable units was proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.

 

In Peapack-Gladstone, a storage facility and housing was approved, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Raritan Borough, locomotive noise from the train yard is on the rise, according to TAPinto.

 

In Roxbury, officials fear affordable housing rules will force high-rise apartment buildings, according to TAPinto.

 

In Saddle Brook, a lawsuit alleges a school’s toxic lead paint poisoned a child, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

In Toms River, the mayor was praised as homeless leave camps in the woods, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In Trenton, the NAACP called for the removal of the police director after the DOJ report, according to the Trentonian.

 

In Upper, the township will vote on a Beesley Point redevelopment proposal, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Wayne, the township settled tax appeals on four commercial properties, according to TAPinto.

 

ICYMI: In Marlboro, sign-stealing an issue; in Howell, GOP won election; in Marlboro, voters elected split BOE ticket; in Hoboken, Councilwoman Giattino passed away; in Howell, little unity w/in GOP; in Marlboro, tensions rising in the BOE race; in Somerville, JFK is on the ballot; in Randolph, council control at stake with huge significance

 

 

AROUND THE WEB:

 

NJ governor race 2025: Republicans to decide

Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com

 

  • President-elect Donald Trump memorably bragged early in his 2024 campaign that he might win blue New Jersey.

 

Raw milk advocates turn to ‘pet’ milk amid state ban

Matt Cortina, NorthJersey.com

 

  • Mia Clarke remembers the first time she stumbled upon raw milk. She was “off the beaten path” at a roadside farm stand in North Carolina. “I pulled up to the farm, and the cows were glowing in the sun and the lady was super nice. I wasn’t scared of it,” Clarke says. “I thought I would try it out, and when I had the first sip, it just tasted so good that it was hard to believe that there would be any danger about it.”

 

Will Trump bend the Senate to his will? A Q&A with Dr. Ross Baker

Dave D’Alessandro

 

  • Members of the world’s greatest deliberative body affirmed their independence last week by doing nothing – other than publicly sharing their distaste for a credibly-accused pedophile to be named the nation’s top law enforcement official. It’s what you’d call a promising start. But even though many Republican senators made it clear that Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz needed to be dropped into history’s wheelie bin, there will be more tests of their collective spine in January, when other repellent contenders sent by President-elect Trump will face confirmation hearings.

 

Stomping Grounds: Mikie Sherrill, Matt Gaetz & Trump’s cabinet, the Bergen Record, and Sal Bonaccorso

David Wildstein, NJ Globe

 

  • New Jerseyans aren’t always civil, but it’s still possible for a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican to have a rational and pleasant conversation about politics in the state. Dan Bryan is a former senior advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy and is now the owner of his own public affairs firm, and Alex Wilkes is an attorney and former executive director of America Rising PAC who advises Republican candidates in New Jersey and across the nation, including the New Jersey GOP. Dan and Alex are both experienced strategists who are currently in the room where high-level decisions are made. They will get together weekly with New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein to discuss politics and issues.

 

Poll: NJ parents say social media is bad, but they aren’t watching their kids

Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • Most adults in New Jersey would support a warning label that appears when kids open up social media platforms on their devices, according to a poll out of Fairleigh Dickinson University. The same poll suggests a majority of New Jerseyans believe social media is bad for young people, but they don’t know why. The poll, released on Nov. 18, found big differences between parents and non-parents — and maybe not in the way that you’d expect.

 

Putin propaganda or Princeton prank? (updated)

Krystal Knapp, Planet Princeton

 

  • A large black truck plastered with Russian President Vladimir Putin posters was spotted parked in the heart of Princeton on Thursday, sparking confusion and outrage by some Princeton residents. The posters on the back and sides of the truck included a photo of Putin and the message: “Disarm Ukraine. Vote Yes on Referendum 4. Support Putin.”

 

Psychedelic play shows therapy’s benefits

Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight

 

  • A patient meets tells the doctor that he has struggled with depression for years. The patient says he has been on several antidepressants to treat his mental health condition, but the medications make him numb. “Therapy keeps me stable, but it only works for a little while, and I don’t really feel like I’m living,” the patient says. “And the ketamine treatments that you prescribed, they also work for a short period of time, but I have to keep going and it’s really expensive.”

 

Trenton residents need more from city leadership in wake of police investigation

LA Parker, The Trentonian

 

  • Good morning. Welcome to this meeting of the minds. Last week ended with more local news than an average person should endure, especially with that U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey report on the state of the city’s police department and the City of Trenton.

 

Loves hugs, falls asleep in her mom’s arms: Here’s what this NJ farm says turkeys are like

Jenna Intersimone, MyCentralJersey.com

 

  • Donna Gervasi, co-owner of Grayrock Farm Sanctuary in Clinton Township, knows turkeys have feelings. They cry. They whimper. They love. They mourn. “When we had to euthanize our turkey Nicholas, I had to cover his brother Elijah’s eyes because he was crying and whimpering,” Gervasi said. “And for days before that, Elijah stayed right next to him to guard him from any danger.”

 

New Jersey is not a swing state. How Democrats can win the governor’s race | Opinion

Matthew Hale

 

  • The 2024 election results have many Democrats in panic mode. We hear crazy talk that New Jersey is the next swing state. It’s overblown. New Jersey has the same Congressional delegation makeup that we did in 2020. Chill out. Even so, the fact that Morris, Passaic, Gloucester, Atlantic and Cumberland counties all flipped from Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024 is concerning to Democrats. But it doesn’t have to be. Democrats have messaging and policy options that can flip these counties back to blue. The question Democrats need to ask is which of their gubernatorial candidates is best positioned to pivot from the failed messages of 2024 to winning ones for 2025.

 

Federal judge position won’t be filled by this NJ attorney who went to Harvard. Here’s why

Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.com

 

  • New Jersey litigator Adeel Mangi’s bid to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit effectively ended last week when he was left out of a bipartisan deal to advance court nominees. Mangi, who would have been the first Muslim American to sit on a federal appeals court, faced questioning during the confirmation process that critics decried as bigoted and Islamophobic.

 

2024 N.J. election results recap

Len Melisurgo, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent protest at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts. With a win in Wisconsin, Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.

 

After 33 years, N.J. sheriff leads his final Thanksgiving food drive

Steve Strunsky, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • Thirty-three years ago, not long after Armando Fontoura won the first term of his 11 terms as Essex County sheriff, he got a call from the nun in charge of the Newark location of Missionaries of Charity-St. Augustine, a women’s shelter, food pantry and soup kitchen personally dedicated in 1981 by the global missionary organization’s founder, Mother Teresa.

 

State blasts bid by Dem power broker George Norcross to toss racketeering case

Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor

 

  • State prosecutors have urged a judge to deny Democratic power broker George Norcross III’s motion to dismiss his racketeering indictment, accusing defense attorneys of trashing their investigation to “indoctrinate the press, the public, and, worst of all, the prospective jury pool.” In a new filing, state prosecutors implored Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. to reject Norcross’ argument that he and five co-defendants were engaged in “hard-bargaining,” not extortion, conspiracy, and other crimes, in deals since 2012 to secure land, easements, and tax incentives along the Camden waterfront.

 

Mount Holly runoff question exposes flaws in N.J. election laws

David Wildstein, NJ Golbe

 

  • The fourth-place finisher in a field of nine candidates for three Mount Holly Township Council seats, Sayke Reilley, will be back in court this week, arguing that an old runoff law was never repealed, and that the top six candidates must face off again. But the candidates who came out on top in the nonpartisan general election—Lew Brown, Chris Banks, and Rich DiFolco—say the runoff election was eliminated when they changed their municipal races from May to November.

 

VIDEO: Asw. Fantasia discusses Election 2025, N.J. Democrats’ bird feeder ban bill

Save Jersey

 

  • New Jersey Democrats’ priorities remain as bizarre as ever, Save Jerseyans. Will it hurt them in 2025? Especially after Donald Trump’s single-digit finish in the Garden State earlier this month?

 

Bhalla says ‘I would never cancel the people of Palestine’ at Hoboken flag raising

Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View

 

  • Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla refused to back down from having a Palestinian flag raising inside the council chambers of City Hall this afternoon, declaring that “I would never cancel the people of Palestine.”

 

Final phase of major Shore flood defense project

Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight

 

  • A New Jersey Shore town is getting the final piece of a flood defense network: a $300 million system of interconnected levees, gates, walls and dune, all designed to channel, deflect and drain dangerous storm surges intensified by a warming climate. On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the final contract phase of the Port Monmouth Storm Risk Reduction Project.

 

Hazard NJ traces ‘forever chemicals’ from NJ roots to global crisis

Briana Vannozzi, Jordan Gass-Poore’, NJ Spotlight

 

  • The Hazard NJ podcast is back and is examining the crisis of toxic pollution caused by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in New Jersey’s soil and water. The story starts in Salem County, where scientists stumbled upon the chemical that would become known as Teflon in 1938 at DuPont’s Chamber Works plant. The accidental discovery was considered a scientific miracle at the time. PFAS would go on to be used for countless products, like frying pans and fast-food wrappers.

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Morris County Commissioners Approve Three Open Space Grants – Morris County, NJ

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Published on November 18, 2024

Properties Targeted in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township

Schiff Preserve Addition Civille The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight approved $1.8 million to preserve more than 65 acres across three municipalities as part of the 2024 Open Space Program.

The projects, formally adopted by the board after receiving recommendations from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, are located in Denville, Madison Borough and Mendham Township, and range in sizes from 3.5 acres to 51 acres.

“We are proud to approve these projects for funding, as they protect critical habitats, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure the long-term health of our environment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, we’ve preserved more than 18,300 acres of open space, which is an area larger than the Township of Parsippany, reflecting our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”

OPEN SPACE PROJECTS APPROVED FOR MORRIS COUNTY GRANTS:

Jonathan’s Woods Extension – Whitney Property

  • Applicant: Protect Our Wetlands, Waters, Woods (POWWW)
  • Located in Denville Township
  • 3.5 acres
  • Award: $265,000
  • Description: The property is contiguous to the 430 plus acre Jonathan’s Woods, which was acquired in 2000 through a combination of municipal, state, and county trust fund dollars. Over the past 20 years, the Morris County Park Commission has also acquired many of the smaller parcels off Hillcrest Drive. The Whitney Property, situated at the end of Hillcrest Drive, represents one of the largest remaining tracts of land to be acquired for the Jonathan’s Woods conservation area.

Schiff Preserve Addition – Civille Property

  • Applicant: Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA)
  • Located in Mendham Township
  • 11 acres
  • Award: $447,234
  • Description: Positioned at the Somerset County border, the Schiff Preserve Addition known as “Civille” features the North Branch of the Raritan River along its eastern boundary. A conservation easement along the stream protects the Category One waters as well as steep slopes. Following acquisition, the property will be transferred to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, expanding their existing Nature Preserve. The land will be managed for conservation and passive recreational purposes.

Drew Forest Project

  • Applicant: Madison Borough
  • 51 acres
  • Award: $1,087,766
  • Description: Drew forest plays a critical role as an aquifer recharge area for the Buried Valley Aquifer, which supplies water to 31 towns across three counties. The forest also includes steep slope areas and serves as a habitat for the endangered Indiana Bat. Drew University students use the Zuck Arboretum and Hepburn Woods within the forest as outdoor ecological classrooms. In 2023, the project received a $5 million grant from Morris County, marking the first dedicated funding for its preservation.

Funding for open space acquisitions and preservation comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which is generated by a special county tax.  The funding source is also used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

Since its inception in 1994, the Morris County Open Space Program has preserved a total of 18,306 acres utilizing more than $300 million in grant funding. This is all in addition to lands that have been preserved and improved through the other Preservation Trust Fund Programs: Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation and Trails Construction.

Did you know that county, municipal, federal, state, and nonprofit-owned open space totals nearly 94,600 acres, accounting for approximately 30.7% of Morris County’s total area? The Morris County Planning Board released an updated master plan for open space in September 2024 that is available on the county website.

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Photo: Schiff Preserve Addition was awarded $447, 234 to cover 11 acres in Mendham Township.

 

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NJ Chamber Statement on Legislative Package Designed to Address Findings of NJ Disparity Study

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We applaud the legislature for introducing legislation to address the alarming findings in the disparity study, which recognized the need for more equity in government contracting for Minority and Women-Owned (MWBE) businesses.

The imbalances outlined in the study have long been articulated by those affected – and is the focus of one of the Chamber’s economic priorities that calls for equal opportunities for MWBEs when it comes to securing not only public but also private sector contracts. Increasing supplier diversity spending with MWBEs has economic and social benefits for all by enhancing competition, encouraging innovation, increasing job creation and supporting communities. Solving for this inequity in a timely manner is what is best for New Jersey and its residents.

While there are some bills in the introduced legislative package that we support today, we are reviewing and assessing other bills that might impact our membership due to proposed specific changes to state contracting.

We believe there also needs to be ongoing constructive dialogues and collaborations between the Administration and our business community colleagues to develop additional solutions that remedy the inequities that exist.

Thomas Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

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New Jersey Needs More Housing, and Municipalities are on the Front Lines

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July 30th, 2024 by Chris Sturm

Without a safe, stable place to call home, how can people achieve any personal goals?” asked Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez. Her opening remarks kicked off the session, “Housing: What’s Next in New Jersey?” at the 2024 NJ Planning and Redevelopment Conference. Suárez described the agency’s “housing first” model, including programs to facilitate home ownership, prevent homelessness and support walkable downtowns.

Four panelists joined Suárez to discuss solutions to the housing crisis, which affects people of all races and many incomes. Poverty is statewide, explained Peter Rosario, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Casa de Don Pedro, citing applications from mostly white families for free and reduced school lunches in suburban Toms River. But he added, “the biggest density problem in this state is single-family homes, which are weaponized against black and brown communities.”

“Traditional housing that is affordable is being priced out,” said Michele Delisfort, Principal and Managing Partner, Nishuane Group LLC, noting, “Even with a college degree, it’s difficult to afford a home.” Josh Bauer, Staff Attorney at the Fair Share Housing Center declared, “Affordable housing is a racial justice issue.” Stephen Santola, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, at Woodmont Properties asked, “The entry-level cape is getting knocked down and replaced by a larger home selling for so much more—Where are the mid-level people going to live?”

Some solutions will come soon—next June—from the municipalities that must adopt new plans to build affordable housing under the Mount. Laurel doctrine. A new law enacted earlier this year, A4/S50, streamlines and clarifies the process; it assigned tasks to DCA, which Commissioner Suárez described:

  • Issue non-binding affordable housing obligations for each municipality in October 2024.
  • Gather and publish more robust municipal data on Affordable Housing Trust Funds and the number and type of affordable units that have been constructed.
  • Develop criteria to streamline compliance and give municipalities more certainty.

She encouraged the audience to contact her office with concerns and suggestions.

Local officials face many challenges in siting affordable units. “How can communities plan and zone for affordable housing that advances smart growth while managing local opposition?,” asked moderator Chris Sturm, Policy Director for Land Use at New Jersey Future. Commissioner Suárez called for better communication. “People hate change, but elected officials need to have open conversations, and if they know the type of person who will live in affordable housing, it will help,” offering the example of a nurse who needs housing in the community where they provide healthcare. “Education is primary,” added Michele Delisfort, encouraging local leaders to explain redevelopment to stakeholders early and often and to get their feedback. She emphasized understanding the community, and compelling developers to deliver well-designed projects. Josh Bauers argued for a change in perceptions: “A four-story building will NOT detract from the property values of surrounding homes,” adding that people should view “multi-family” housing as “residential”. Steve Santola cited Princeton’s ordinance allowing Accessory Dwelling Units as a test case, which, if successful, could be a statewide remedy.

“People hate change, but elected officials need to have open conversations, and if they know the type of person who will live in affordable housing, it will help” –Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Suárez

All NJ municipalities urgently need practical tools to design and plan for housing. New housing should not only be affordable but climate resilient and in great neighborhoods where it’s easy to get around without a car and near parks and plazas. Panelists recommended:

  • State support to increase local capacity for public outreach and early investment in comprehensive planning.
  • Mandatory high-quality training for planning boards, in place of today’s lax program.
  • Best practice tools, such as FAQs on planning and redevelopment, “Density by Design – NJ Style”, and templates for hosting effective planning board and governing body meetings.
  • The ability to use more affordable housing trust fund monies for presentations and messaging, supported by revised DCA rules.
  • Timely technical assistance that reaches towns early, before they begin their lengthy schedule of monthly meetings.

Affordable housing success stories like the Taylor Vose inclusionary housing project in South Orange can help local officials envision solutions for their community. See New Jersey Future’s Smart Growth Award winners for more.

 

Audience members raised broader affordability concerns, like the role consumer debt plays in limiting access to credit. Commissioner Suárez highlighted the difficulty municipalities face in hiring employees like emergency medical service staff and inspectors who do not earn enough to afford to live where they work. Panelists recommended holistic approaches to making New Jersey affordable—like using regionalization to lower the cost of local government (Suárez ), working with banks and financial institutions (Delisfort), and changing rental and mortgage requirements to focus on on-time rental payments (Rosario).

When asked, “What’s next for housing in 2050?” speakers shared visions that can inspire residents and local leaders today:

  • More sustainable housing that relates to the environment, and communities that are better connected. -Michele Delisfort
  • Look to student housing to see what’s next. -Stephen Santola
  • Better public transportation. -Josh Baurs
  • Open air spaces, plazas, and walkability, like those found in other parts of the world. -Peter Rosario
  • Walkable, liveable places transformed from past industrial giants and malls. More community-centric places with multi-generational housing. -Commissioner Suárez

Chris Sturm closed the session by announcing that New Jersey Future and partners are launching a collaborative new initiative, Great Neighborhoods for All, which seeks to achieve visions like these because everyone in New Jersey deserves an affordable home in a community that’s a great place to live.

The Great Neighborhoods for All group is advancing three separate but interrelated initiatives:

  • Building a statewide movement of local campaigns that advance inclusive, well-planned, and well-designed housing projects.
  • Empowering local governments to solve pressing problems, such as addressing accelerating displacement of renters and meeting Mount Laurel Fourth Round deadlines with better planning for neighborhoods.
  • Changing state policy in the next eighteen months.

To learn more, email Chris Sturm  (csturmatnjfuturedotorg)   or Alesha Vega  (avegaatnjfuturedotorg)  .

Tags: 2024 NJ Planning and Redevelopment Conference, Affordable housing, community design, Housing, housing and equity, municipalities, planning, Transit-oriented Development




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NJ Museum Gift Shops Offer One-of-a-Kind Holiday Presents

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Metz Industrial Group at BRC closes three industrial deals in Newark & Jersey City

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Construction site crane building a blue 3D text. Part of a series.

The Metz Industrial Group of Bussel Realty Corp. closed three leasing transactions totaling 52,207 square feet of industrial space and five acres of outside industrial storage and parking in Newark and Jersey City.

The Metz Industrial Group is comprised of Jordan Metz, senior vice president, Ben Abbate, senior associate, and James Friel, sales associate.

MIG leased 38,207 square feet at 320 Elizabeth Avenue in Newark to My Flowers USA Inc. MIG represented the landlord, RHS Realty Group, and My Flowers USA Inc. was represented by NJR Group LLC.

“We pulled the rare two-for-one ‘tenant space exchange’ at 320 Elizabeth Avenue,” Metz said. “My Flowers identified the property and quickly determined it would meet all of their specific needs. They initially leased 26,007 square feet of space. Just as we were finishing the lease, an adjacent tenant advised that they were open to downsizing a portion of their space. My Flowers quickly locked in the opportunity to accommodate their anticipated growth, which increased the total area leased to 38,207 square feet.”

MIG subleased 14,000 square feet and two acres of outside industrial storage and parking at 125 James Avenue in Jersey City to Overnight Freight Inc. MIG represented Overnight Freight and CBRE represented the sublandlord, Staples Inc.

“This transaction exemplifies MIG’s expert pulse on the market and robust tenant representation services that results in the site selection success expected by our clients,” Metz said. “In delivering the ideal site, which is a functional truck terminal with two acres of IOS land for parking a fleet of trucks or storage in an asset class with minimal vacancy in the region, to Overnight Freight, we were able to close on a deal that was a win-win-win for all parties involved.”

MIG leased three acres of outside industrial storage and parking at 150 Pacific Street in Jersey City to an undisclosed transportation and warehouse services firm. MIG represented the landlord, Neu Holdings Corporation, in the transaction.

“The industrial outdoor storage sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for strategically located parking/outdoor storage sites,” Metz said. “150 Pacific Avenue offers a prime location just minutes to the Holland Tunnel and New York City markets. We are currently marketing an additional two acres of IOS space and 176,132 square feet of warehouse space at the property.”



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Atlantic City’s Bangladeshi Community Votes To Stop Gun Violence, Food Inequity

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Atlantic City’s Bangladeshi community is one of the largest minority groups in the city with a significant voice in local politics. Since former Mayor Don Guardian in 2013 attributed his surprise election in part to a door-to-door strategy that connected him with the Bangladeshi community, other politicians have made an effort to attend the group’s events and meet with community leaders.

Abdul Rafique, working at the Bangladesh Community Center on Fairmount Avenue during one of the center’s weekly food distributions, said that voting matters to him and his family. He arrived in New York in 1996 and moved to Atlantic City for work. He joked that he has some children who vote democrat and one son who votes republican — but he still talks to him. “They’re voting for whoever they choose,” he said.

“It’s important to exercise your voice,” he said.

Rafique said that because the Bangladeshi community is a majority in the 5th ward (the section of the Chelsea neighborhood on the east side of Albany Avenue) it has a lot of power in the local election. “We are really well organized,” he said. “Whoever we like in this local area, he’s elected.”

Md. Jahed at the Bangladesh Community Center on Fairmount Avenue

Rafique’s colleague, Md. Jahed, was also working at the food distribution. He said that having the building has helped the Bangladeshi community to become better organized. Since COVID-19, they have been using the building to hold meetings as well as events such as weekly food distributions.

Jahed and Rafique said they are able to distribute food to up to 500 families each week, working in partnership with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Food is a big issue for local residents right now, Jahed said. “The prices are going up…and people need food,” he said. Rafique added that he is also concerned by gun violence and he wants local candidates to take action to stop violence.

Jahed said the Bangladeshi community is fortunate that they feel they can take their complaints to their councilman. “It’s important to vote because you can select your choice and he or she will pass on the important things,” he said. “Then he or she can help us after the election.”



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Activities • Cherry Hill, NJ • CivicEngage

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Join the Fun as a Volunteer at Cherry Hill’s First Winter Festival!

Cherry Hill Township is seeking enthusiastic volunteers (ages 14+) to help make our inaugural Winter Festival a magical experience! The event takes place on Sunday, December 8, at Croft Farm (100 Bortons Mill Road), and we’d love to have you on our team.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Before the Event: Help vendors find their spots, unload and set up booths, and ensure everything is ready for a festive day.
  • During the Event: Assist with crowd control for our special guests (Santa, Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch, and Elf), guide craft activities, and lend a hand wherever needed to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Volunteering with Cherry Hill Township is a fun, rewarding way to give back to the community, spread cheer, and create lasting memories.

Sign up today and help us bring this winter wonderland to life!
Click one of the buttons below to register. 

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