Year: 2016

Bill Would Eliminate Five Percent Down Payment for Bond Ordinances

Bill Would Eliminate Five Percent Down Payment for Bond Ordinances

New Jersey lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would allow municipalities to avoid the five percent down payment required for bond ordinances. The bill (AB No. 1640) would give local cities and towns much-needed flexibility as many local budgets remain tight.  The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee recently advanced

Worker May Rely on Doctor’s Testimony to Bring NJLAD Claim Against Municipality

Worker May Rely on Doctor’s Testimony to Bring NJLAD Claim Against Municipality

In Patricia Delvecchio v. Township of Bridgewater, the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that an aggrieved public employee could rely on the testimony of a treating physician, who has not been designated as an expert witness, to establish the existence of a disability for a claim under the New

Governor Vetoes New Jersey Pay Discrimination Legislation

Governor Vetoes New Jersey Equal Pay Legislation

Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed equal pay legislation. The proposed bill amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to strengthen protections against employment discrimination and promote equal pay for women. Modeled after the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, Senate Bill 992 would make it an unlawful

Supreme Court Sides With Church in Grant Funding Suit

Federal Court Rejects New Jersey Church’s Suit Over Rejected Site Plan Approval

A New Jersey federal district judge recently rejected North Jersey Vineyard Church’s request for injunctive relief, which would have required the Township of South Hackensack to approve the church’s site plan application. The court’s decision is the latest in a series of legal disputes between the two parties.  Facts of

Jersey City Ordinance Mandates Minimum Workweek

Jersey City Ordinance Mandates Minimum Workweek

Jersey City is a considering a municipal ordinance that would require that building-service workers, such as janitors, maids, and doormen, receive a minimum of 30 hours a week from their employers. The City Council recently voted 6-2-1 to advance the ordinance. It also has the support of Jersey City Mayor

NJ Appeals Court: Notice Requirements of Torts Claims Act Don’t Apply to Government Contractors

NJ Appeals Court: Notice Requirements of Torts Claims Act Don’t Apply to Government Contractors

In Gomes v. Monmouth County, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court held that the 90-day notice requirement under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act does not apply to government contractors. The Facts of the Case Plaintiff GinaMarie Gomes was briefly incarcerated at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution

Council on Local Mandates Strikes Down Police Camera Mandate

Council on Local Mandates Strikes Down Police Camera Mandate

The Council on Local Mandates has deemed New Jersey’s police camera mandate unconstitutional. In response to a legal challenge by Deptford Township, the Council held that P.L. 2014, c. 54 does not provide adequate funding for equipping police vehicles and/or officers with video recording systems.  New Jersey Police Camera Mandate

NJ Appeals Court Decision Highlights Importance of Drafting Clear Zoning Ordinances

NJ Appeals Court Decision Highlights Importance of Drafting Clear Zoning Ordinances

A recent appellate decision reinforces that New Jersey municipalities must exercise care when drafting and amending zoning ordinances. In Nelson’s Corner Assoc. LLC v. Twp. of Hillsborough, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court held that a dialysis center was permitted under the Township of Hillsborough’s local zoning