Changes to NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust Financing Program

Changes to NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust Financing Program

On August 25, 2015, Gov. Chris Christie signed into law legislation (Assembly Bill No. 4527) that makes several important changes to the Environmental Infrastructure Trust Financing Program. The changes took effect immediately. The statute, P.L. 2015, c. 160, specifically extends the possible term of bonds, notes, or other obligations of

Conflicts of Interests Pose Legal Concerns for NJ Municipalities

Conflicts of Interests Pose Legal Concerns for NJ Municipalities

In Matula v. Township of Berkley Heights, the Appellate Division refused to dismiss a suit alleging that conflicts of interest prevented a planning board and township council from passing resolutions related a potential property exchange between the township and local church. The majority of members of the Board and Township

Supreme Court’s Reed v. Gilbert Decision Used to Strike Down Panhandling Ordinance

Supreme Court’s Reed v. Gilbert Decision Used to Strike Down Panhandling Ordinance

The implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Reed v. Gilbert are already be felt by municipalities across the country and not just with respect to sign ordinances. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently relied on the Court’s decision to strike down a panhandling ordinance. The Legal Background

Proposed Bill Codifies NJ’s Leave Donation Policy

NJ Appeals Court Defines “Agenda” Under OPMA

In Opderbeck v. Midland Park Board of Education, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court addressed the requirements for an agenda subject to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). The appeals court overturned a trial court decision holding that a school board’s bare-bones agenda violated the

New Law Regarding Snow Removal From Fire Hydrants

As we enjoy the last weeks of summer, the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another cold and snowy winter for New Jersey. To help ensure that fire hydrants stay clear of snow and can be quickly accessed by emergency responders, Gov. Chris Christie recently signed a law that will authorize municipalities

NJ Attorney General Issues Police Body Worn Camera Directive

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman recently issued a directive regarding the use of body worn cameras (BWCs) by New Jersey law enforcement officers. While the decision to acquire body cameras is left to individual police departments and municipalities, the directive establishes foundational requirements for those entities that decide to deploy

Jersey City Ordinance Restricts Chain Stores From Operating Downtown

Jersey City Ordinance Restricts Chains Store from Operating Downtown

In an effort to retain the character of its downtown area and encourage “mom-and-pop” and other unique enterprises, Jersey City recently enacted a municipal ordinance that will limit chain stores to 30 percent of the ground-floor commercial space on any lot located in the downtown area. While the first of

NJ Appeals Court Upholds Hoboken’s Affordable Housing Ordinance

NJ Appeals Court Upholds Hoboken’s Affordable Housing Ordinance

In Fair Share Housing Center v. Zoning Board of Hoboken, et al., the Appellate Division considered five consolidated appeals filed to determine the enforceability of an affordable housing ordinance adopted by the City of Hoboken. The appeals court ultimately determined that the ordinance was enforceable, overturning the trial court’s ruling.