New Jersey municipalities should be aware that the state’s “ban the box” law went into effect on March 1, 2015. The New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act prohibits employers from inquiring into an applicant’s criminal history during the initial employment application process. It also precludes employers from publishing job advertisements
On March 10, the Supreme Court of New Jersey transferred the administration of affordable housing rules back to the courts, effectively stripping the “moribund” Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) of any power to regulate where and when affordable housing will be built in New Jersey. The much-anticipated decision opens yet
A New Jersey municipality is out of luck when it comes to recouping attorneys’ fees it paid under a court order that was later vacated on appeal. When the township later settled the lawsuit filed by two developers, it neglected to include the reimbursement as part of the agreement. The
The New Jersey Assembly recently approved legislation that would require local governments and authorities to obtain a financing cost estimate from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) for certain projects. The NJEIT, which was first established in 1986, is an independent State financing authority that provides low interest-rate loans
In Minke Family Trust v. Township Of Long Beach, a New Jersey court recently addressed the authority conveyed to municipalities under the Disaster Control Act (DCA). The specific question raised in the suit is whether the DCA allows a municipality to record a deed of perpetual easement against a property
New Jersey municipalities should be aware that the new law requiring traffic patrol vehicles to be equipped with cameras is now in effect. The new mandate applies to any vehicle acquired on or after March 1, 2015. The new legislation, which was signed last fall by Gov. Chris Christie, will
New Jersey lawmakers are currently considering two companion bills that would make it easier for New Jersey communities to pursue municipal consolidation. The legislation, which has bi-partisan support, recently cleared the by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee. The goal of the proposed bill (A-1739/S-316) is to increase the
Achieving the proper balance between development and the preservation of open space is a priority for many New Jersey communities. Legislation currently pending before the State Assembly would expand the use of county and municipal open space trust funds to acquire property. Current law, P.L. 1997, C. 24 (N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.1
