Month: March 2015

NJ Municipal Employment Law Alert: New Criminal Records Rules Now in Effect

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

Administration of NJ Affordable Housing Rules Goes Back to the Court

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

Assembly Approves NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust Legislation

Assembly Approves NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust Legislation

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

NJ Court Addresses Municipal Authority Under Disaster Control Act

NJ Court Addresses Municipal Authority Under Disaster Control Act

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

Proposed New Jersey Bills Promote Municipal Consolidation

Proposed New Jersey Bills Promote Municipal Consolidation

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

Proposed NJ Bill Expands Use of County and Municipal Open Space Trust Funds

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