Assembly committee advances bill to bar large warehouses within 1,000 feet of historic districts

The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee voted to release Assembly Bill 52 41, which would bar approvals for large warehouse projects on lots within 1,000 feet of districts listed as historic under New Jersey and federal law, as amended, after extended testimony from municipal officials and trade groups.

Thomas Fritz, mayor of the borough of Allentown, told the committee the measure is “deeply personal” to his community and argued warehouses “pose a serious threat to these areas from environmental and infrastructure damage that erodes home foundations” and harm tourism and local economies. Fritz said a proposed warehouse project in a neighboring municipality sits about 50 feet from his town’s largest backyards and that the bill aligns with state planning commission guidance recommending a 1,000‑foot buffer.

Supporters from Allentown, including Councilwoman Erica DeCraines, said the bill establishes a reasonable buffer and promotes regional planning, noting narrow historic streets and schoolchildren in those neighborhoods. DeCraines told the committee the bill is intended to protect “our historic buildings, roads, and importantly, our residents.”

Opponents, led by Paul Penna of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, warned the bill would permit one municipality to exercise land‑use prerogatives over another and risk a constitutional home‑rule conflict. Penna said section C of the draft could leave residents of affected municipalities without recourse and described the measure as “narrow” in its language but unprecedented in effect.

Committee members pressed witnesses on whether the measure is “spot” legislation tied to ongoing litigation; witnesses said some local disputes informed the effort but argued the bill targets a broader pattern of warehouse siting near historic districts. The record includes debate over a waiver process that allows planning boards to consider petitions from developers seeking relief for specific projects.

After extended questioning and floor discussion that highlighted both statewide concerns about warehouse siting and legal objections based on home rule, the committee released A5241 as amended for further legislative consideration. Committee leaders said they expect continued amendments as the bill advances.

The committee’s action sends the bill to the next legislative stage; the sponsors and interested stakeholders were invited to continue negotiations on waiver language, retroactivity concerns, and enforcement details.