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Senate committee advances bill to convert underused office parks and retail centers into mixed-use housing
Summary
The New Jersey Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee released S-1408, a bill authorizing the conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments, after testimony both for and against the measure.
The New Jersey Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee released S-1408, a bill authorizing the conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments, after testimony both for and against the measure.
Supporters told the committee the bill would speed creation of housing and lower costs by using existing structures and infrastructure. "S-1408 would allow for the creations of thousands of affordable housing units," said Alex Witcher, managing director of external affairs at Fair Share Housing Center. He said converting underused commercial sites could "cut costs construction wise and also expediate the building process by use of existing infrastructure and transportation systems."
Opponents, led by the New Jersey League of Municipalities, said the bill would improperly override local planning processes. "We view it as an unnecessary preemption of a local local authority," said Michael Serra of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Serra and other municipal representatives said the master plan and local variance and redevelopment procedures already provide tools to adapt zoning and that removing local oversight could spur litigation and added costs for taxpayers.
Other witnesses urged guardrails or additional planning language. Helen Kyogis, policy manager at New Jersey Future, said the bill should include language to ensure conversions occur in locations targeted for growth and are connected to neighborhoods, schools and transit. Zoe Baldwin of the Regional Plan Association said incentives and state support are needed so municipalities follow "common sense policies to address our needs for housing."
Committee members voted to release the bill as substituted. The committee record shows Senator Wimberly, Senator Burgess and Chairman Singleton voting in the affirmative.
Why it matters: Backers say reusing existing buildings could produce housing faster and reduce development costs; opponents say the bill removes local control and could create legal and implementation problems for municipalities.
Votes at the committee: Motion to release S-1408 as substituted — released (yes: Senator Wimberly; Senator Burgess; Chairman Singleton).
