New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA)

February 24, 2012

State House Update: Governor Delivers FY 2013 Budget Message to Legislature; $32.1 Billion Proposal is 8% Increase over FY 2012 Governor Chris Christie delivered his Annual Budget Message to a Joint Session of the Legislature on Tuesday and the $32.1 Billion proposal is an 8% increase from the current FY 2012 State Budget. New spending is based upon a projected 7.5% increase in state revenues for FY 2013 over the current FY 2012, including an impressive 13.5% increase in CBT revenue, and a 6.3% increase in income tax revenue. This over 6% jump in projected income tax revenue includes the Governor’s proposed 10% across-the-board cut in income taxes for all NJ filers. This 10% cut is one of the most politically controversial aspects of the Governor’s entire budget. Under the NJ State Constitution, the Governor and Legislature have until midnight, June 30 to have a balanced budget passed and signed. The NJAA will continue to keep members updated in the weeks and months ahead as the FY 2013 Budget picture comes into focus. Click here for a two-page summary of business-related budget items, as provided by the NJ Business & Industry Association. Many thanks to NJBIA for allowing the NJAA to share this Budget summary with our members.

February 17, 2012

In Case You Missed it – Red Tape Review Commission Recommends Eliminating Duplicative Municipal Registration & Inspection of Multiple-Dwellings In yet another success in the NJAA’s efforts to advance commonsense reforms to reduce regulations that needlessly drive up the cost of providing rental housing, the latest report released by the bi-partisan Red Tape Review Commission chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno identifies the need to reform and streamline the current duplicative system of local and state registration, inspection and maintenance standards for apartments in New Jersey.

February 10, 2012

Red Tape Review Commission Recommends Eliminating Duplicative Municipal Registration & Inspection of Multiple-Dwellings In yet another success in the NJAA’s efforts to advance commonsense reforms to reduce regulations that needlessly drive up the cost of providing rental housing, the latest report from the bi-partisan Red Tape Review Commission chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno identifies the need to reform and streamline the current duplicative system of local and state registration, inspection and maintenance standards for apartments in New Jersey.

February 3, 2012

State House Update: Permit Extension Bill Passes Key Assembly Committee Bi-partisan legislation to extend the expiration date of the Permit Extension Act of 2008 passed the Assembly Housing & Local Government Committee in a unanimous 6-0 vote on January 30th. Sponsored by Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), the late-Asm Alex DeCroce, and Speaker Pro Temp Jerry Green (D-Union), A-1338, extends any permits from Dec 31, 2012, to Dec 31, 2014. Click here for a copy of the bill as amended. The NJAA is proud to support this important initiative and hopes it will move swiftly to the Assembly Floor. The Senate companion, S-743, sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), has not been scheduled for a hearing in Committee.

January 20, 2012

Governor Vetoes Duplicative Façade Inspection Bill; Major Win for NJAA, Our Members & Your Residents On Tues., Jan. 17, Governor Chris Christie vetoed controversial legislation aimed at creating redundant inspections of high-rise building facades and exteriors. The bill was narrowly approved in December by the Legislature, prompting the New Jersey Apartment Association to submit a formal veto request in the waning moments of the post-election Lame Duck session. Click here for a copy of the NJAA's formal veto request. The bills, S-2771/A-3895, sought to transfer jurisdiction over facades from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that was established more than 45 years ago under the Hotel & Multiple Dwelling Act, to individual, local enforcement entities. In New Jersey, this could have meant 566 different local enforcement practices - which would have resulted in chaos for professional multi-family operators - and their residents. "On behalf of the NJAA, our members and the thousands of working families throughout New Jersey who have chosen to call rental housing their ‘home,’ thank you, Governor Christie, for vetoing this unnecessary and duplicative legislation," said Conor Fennessy, vice president of government affairs for the NJAA. "This bill was an unnecessary solution to a nonexistent problem — we are thankful that the Governor understood the heart of the matter and sent this bill packing.”

January 13, 2012

State House Updates: Duplicative Façade Inspection Bill Passes Senate; NJAA Submits Veto Request to Governor On the final day of the 2011 Session, over 100 bills were on the docket for action before the Senate and General Assembly at the State House. Included in this last-minute frenzy was controversial legislation aimed at creating redundant inspections of high-rise building facades and exteriors. The bills, S-2771/A-3895, long opposed by the NJAA and most major real estate groups, are modeled after façade inspection requirements initiated in Philadelphia, where there is no regulatory equivalent to comprehensive NJ’s Hotel & Multiple Dwelling Act. The initiative seeks to transfer jurisdiction over facades from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to local, municipal enforcement entities. In New Jersey, this could mean 566 different local enforcement practices – which would result in chaos for professional multi-family operators – and our residents. S-2771/A-3895 was approved by the Senate 27-12-1 after narrowly passing the Assembly in December. Click here for a member-by-member tally of the Senate vote and click here for a copy of the NJAA’s formal veto request to Governor Christie. We are hopeful that the Governor will act upon our request

January 6, 2012

State House Update: Final Day of Lame Duck Is Here; Duplicative Façade Inspection Bill Not Dead Yet With only one Senate session day remaining in this Lame Duck, special interests pushing controversial legislation aimed at creating redundant inspections of high-rise building facades and exteriors are making one last push to get their initiative on the Governor’s desk. The bills, S-2771/A-3895, long opposed by the NJAA and most major real estate groups, are modeled after façade inspection requirements initiated in Philadelphia, where there is no regulatory equivalent to comprehensive NJ’s Hotel & Multiple Dwelling Act. The initiative seeks to transfer jurisdiction over facades from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to local, municipal enforcement entities. In New Jersey, this could mean 566 different local enforcement practices – which would result in chaos for professional multi-family operators – and our residents. S-2771/A-3895 was amended and narrowly approved by the Assembly on Dec 15 and is now before the Senate for final approval. Click here for a copy of the bill as approved by the Assembly. If approved by the Senate on Monday – the final day of the current Lame Duck session – it would go directly to the Governor’s desk. Click here to read the NJAA’s most recent letter asking all Senators to Vote No on final passage at Monday’s session. The NJAA will continue to oppose this unnecessary solution in search of a nonexistent problem.

December 30, 2011

Tax Update: NJ Division of Taxation Announces Interest Rate for 2012 The NJ Dept. of Treasury/Division of Taxation released a technical bulletin on December 20th announcing the interest rate accessed for outstanding tax balances in 2012 will be 6.25%. Click here for a copy of Taxation’s announcement, or contact your tax advisor for additional information.

December 23, 2011

State House Updates: NJAA Continues Opposition to Duplicative & Redundant Façade Inspection Bill With only a few days remaining in the Lame Duck session, the NJAA is continuing to oppose controversial legislation aimed at creating redundant inspections of high-rise building facades and exteriors. The bills, S-2771/A-3895, are modeled after façade inspection requirements initiated in Philadelphia, where there is no regulatory equivalent to comprehensive NJ’s Hotel & Multiple Dwelling Act. The bill seeks to transfer jurisdiction over facades from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to local, municipal enforcement entities. In New Jersey, this could mean 566 different local enforcement practices – which would result in chaos for professional multi-family operators. The NJAA sent a request to Senator Don Norcross (D-Camden) and Senator Sean Kean (R-Monmouth) this week, asking the sponsors to withhold the bills from any further action in this session. Click here for a copy of NJAA’s most recent letter in opposition. The NJAA has opposed this ill-advised initiative every step of the way – in Assembly Housing & Local Government on May 5 and June 13, as well as the Assembly Floor on Dec 15, and in the Senate Community & Urban Affairs Committee on May 12, and the Senate Floor on Sept 26. S-2771/A-3895 was amended and narrowly approved by the Assembly on Dec 15 and it now must go back to the Senate for final approval. If approved by the Senate before the current Lame Duck session ends on January 9, it would move to the Governor’s desk. The NJAA will continue to oppose this unnecessary solution in search of a nonexistent problem.

December 16, 2011

NJAA Presents BPU’s Solomon with Leadership Award Jeff Smith, NJAA President, and Conor Fennessy, VP – Government Affairs, presented BPU President Lee Solomon with the Association’s President’s Award for Leadership in Regulatory Reform on Dec 13 in Trenton. Jeff Smith commented, “President Solomon has been a strong supporter of multi-family rental housing and his efforts to promote green technologies make him the obvious choice for our Leadership in Regulatory Reform award. In just two brief years, the Christie-Guadagno Administration and the BPU have moved farther and faster to advance utility sub-metering for rental housing than in the entire decade prior. This success is a testament to the Governor, Lt Governor, President Solomon and his team at the Board. We will miss Lee Solomon, but wish him well on his return to bench in Superior Court.” Solomon joins Lt Governor Kim Guadagno, our 2010 honoree, as the only recipients of NJAA’s prestigious award. Click here for a copy of the award text.

December 9, 2011

NJAA Continues to Oppose Duplicative & Redundant Façade Inspection Bill Even as the current Lame Duck session of the 214th NJ State Legislature winds to a close, legislation aimed at creating redundant inspections of high-rise building facades and exteriors appears to have new life. The bills, S-2771/A-3895, originally modeled after façade inspection requirements initiated in Philadelphia, where there is no regulatory equivalent to comprehensive NJ’s Hotel & Multiple Dwelling Act, were amended on the Assembly Floor this week. Click here to read NJAA’s memo to the sponsor, asking that the bill be withheld from any further action, and click here to read the amendments. Unfortunately, these Floor amendments make a bad bill even worse, and seek to transfer jurisdiction over facades from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to local, municipal enforcement entities. In New Jersey, this could mean 566 different local enforcement practices – which would result in chaos for professional multi-family operators. The NJAA has opposed this ill-advised initiative every step of the way – in Assembly Housing & Local Government on May 5 and June 13, as well as in the Senate Community & Urban Affairs Committee on May 12, and the Senate Floor on Sept 26. The major real estate trade groups are united in opposition: NJAA, as well as NAIOP-NJ, NJ Builders Association, and Community Association’s Institute of NJ. The NJAA will continue to keep members updated in the days and weeks ahead.

December 2, 2011

NJAA PAC Update: Fundraising Goal for 2011 is Within Reach, But We Need Your Help! Many thanks to our most recent PAC contributors – Jonathan Gershen, Lee Wasserman and Michael Schneck – for their generous support at this crucial time. Thus far in 2011 we have successfully raised over $195,000 for this important fund and we are quickly closing-in on our goal of $200,000. Help us get across the finish line before the end of the year and help NJAA PAC deliver our message of common-sense policies to promote and defend apartment living in NJ. If you have not contributed to NJAA PAC this year, please consider doing so TODAY. Your support of $500, $250 or even $100 will help us reach our goal. For a contribution form, click here.

November 25, 2011

DCA Commissioner Grifa Announces Intention to Step-Down Gov. Chris Christie announced on Monday that Lori Grifa, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), would be stepping down from her cabinet level post, effective January 2, 2012. Commissioner Grifa has served as the head of the DCA since the beginning of the Christie-Guadagno administration in January 2010, and is the second cabinet-level appointee to announce their departure in as many weeks. Gov. Christie announced Richard Constable, Deputy Commissioner of the Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development, has been nominated to succeed Grifa at DCA. Click here for Governor's press release. Constable's appointment requires Senate confirmation, and the timing of Monday’s announcement will allow the Governor to submit the nomination in time for Legislative consideration in the current Lame Duck session. The NJAA will miss Commissioner Grifa, who's accessibility, plain-spoken demeanor, and ability to cut the heart of complex policy matters was always appreciated. She was our keynote speaker at NJAA's Annual Meeting in January 2011 and also delivered a letter of congratulations from the Governor marking the NJAA's 25th anniversary. The NJAA looks forward to building a relationship with Commissioner-designate Constable, as he prepares to lead the department with primary policy and regulatory authority governing multi-family housing in New Jersey.

November 18, 2011

NJAA Addresses Rent Control on Panel at NJ League of Municipalities Conference The New Jersey Apartment Association joined the Rent Stabilization Association to discuss rent control policy at the 96th Annual NJ League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. The League session, moderated by Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, discussed rent control in the face of ever increasing operating costs in multifamily apartments. Nicholas Kikis spoke on behalf of the NJAA and, in his presentation, highlighted the need for policies such as vacancy decontrol to support investment in rental housing, while better funding and allocating subsidized housing to help those in need. Ron Simoncini spoke about allowable rent increases failing to keep up with rising costs and incomes, and his most recent experiences on behalf of the Mile Square Taxpayers Association (MSTA) in Hoboken. Additionally, NJAA research on rent control was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal in a November 12th article “New Jersey’s Rent Control Laws Fading.” The article highlighted reforms to rent control in Hoboken and Bayonne, which take important steps toward improving conditions for reinvestment in multifamily rental housing in these communities.

November 11, 2011

State House Update: NJ Voters Return Democratic Majorities to Assembly & Senate Even with all 120 seats in the State Legislature on the ballot last Tuesday, voter turn-out was at a record low. Democrats were victorious in the few competitive races, and defended their comfortable majorities both in the Senate – 24 Democrats to 16 Republicans, and General Assembly – 48 to 32. Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) and Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) were re-elected, but both current Majority Leaders – Asm Joe Cryan (D-Union) and Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) – were replaced. New Majority Leaders for the 2012-2013 Session will be Asm Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), and Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen). The Republicans in both the Assembly and Senate re-elected their current leadership teams, including: Asm Alex DeCroce (R-Morris), Asm Jon Bramnick (R-Union), and Asm Dave Rible (R-Monmouth) in the Lower House; and, Senator Tom Kean (R-Union), Senator Diane Allen (R-Burlington), and Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-Essex) in the Upper House. The NJAA looks forward to working with both Democratic and Republican leadership teams on key housing, land use, and economic development issues in the upcoming session.

November 4, 2011

Energy Policy: NJAA Submits Comments on EMP/Clean Energy Work Group Report The NJAA continued its active participation with the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) stakeholder process on Governor Christie’s draft Energy Master Plan (EMP) and submitted follow-up comments on October’s Clean Energy Funding Work Group Recommendations. The Association’s latest set of comments focused on two aspects of the Work Group report: 1) the need for statewide consistency and predictability on programmatic requirements of any future Energy Efficiency (EE) programs, and, 2) the need for the BPU to modernize its policymaking with regard to traditional customer classes and begin to see multi-family as a special, hybrid customer class onto itself. For NJAA’s work group comments, click here. For our full EMP comments as submitted in August, click here. The NJAA will continue to engage with the Governor's Office and BPU professional staff on energy policy issues affecting professional multi-family rental housing providers and we look forward to the next steps in this important policy-making process.

October 28, 2011

State House Update: NJAA Joins Star-Ledger Call for Federal Section 8 Reform Responding to a recent Newark Star-Ledger editorial calling for much-needed reform to the Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly referred to as “Section 8,” the NJAA submitted a letter supporting the newspaper’s call. The NJAA specifically addressed the need to establish stable funding for Section 8 and to reduce inspection delays at move-in. Jean Maddalon, NJAA Executive Director, wrote, “We have been long advocating for reforms to the Federal Rental Assistance Program and applaud the recent Star-Ledger editorial detailing the wasteful practices that urgently require correction. As the only statewide association representing professional multi-family rental housing owners, managers, builders and developers, the New Jersey Apartment Association (“NJAA”) recognizes the significance of the lost opportunity to provide affordable housing to New Jersey’s working families.” To read the full NJAA submission, click here, and for the Star-Ledger’s editorial, click here.

October 21, 2011

State House Update: Governor Releases ‘State Strategic Job Growth Plan’ In a major planning and land use policy announcement on Oct 19, Gov. Chris Christie released a draft ‘State Strategic Job Growth Plan’ for New Jersey. “New Jersey’s challenges are too great to be approached in the stratified, haphazard and unrealistic manner that has characterized previous statewide planning efforts. This is a plan that will foster job growth in a sensible, sustainable and truly effective manner over the long term,” said the Governor. “By focusing our planning and economic development resources around common goals – better identifying and investing in vibrant regions and critical sectors of our economy, supporting effective regional planning, and preserving our invaluable natural resources – we are positioning New Jersey for sustained job growth, competitiveness and prosperity.” Unlike prior State Plans which focused primarily on development patterns for growth, the draft Christie/Guadagno initiative focuses on economic development and job creation aspects of planning and land use decision making. For a copy of the Governor’s Office press release click here, and for a copy of 40-page draft State Plan proposal, click here.

October 14, 2011

Energy Policy Reminder: BPU Announces Additional Meetings on Draft Energy Master Plan The NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) recently announced four public hearings to discuss the 2011 Draft Energy Master Plan - Work Group Recommendations. The Public Hearing dates and discussion topics include: October 21 - Clean Energy Funding Work Group Recommendations; November 1 - Alternatively Fueled Vehicles Work Group Recommendations; November 7 - Innovative Technology Work Group Recommendations; and, November 10 - Biomass Work Group Recommendations. Hearings will be held at the Rutgers Eco Complex, 1200 Florence Columbus Rd., Bordentown (Burlington County). Recommendations from the four working groups will be posted on the EMP website. Any questions or requests to participate in the upcoming EMP Public Hearing process should be directed to EMPadmin@njcleanenergy.com. The NJAA submitted detailed comments on Gov. Christie’s draft EMP in August 2011, and looks forward to participating in these next steps. For a copy of NJAA’s comments, click here.

October 7, 2011

Record Crowd in Attendance for Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception Thank you to the NJAA members, friends, and supporters of NJAA PAC who joined us on Tuesday for this year’s Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange. A record crowd of over 100 attendees were treated to a lively conversation between former Governors Jim Florio and Don DiFrancesco, moderated by Jim Hooker. The far-ranging discussion covered such hot-button issues as Gov. Chris Christie’s recent decision not to seek the GOP nomination for President, the State’s long-range debt crisis, cancellation of the a trans-Hudson ARC tunnel, the future of casino gaming in Atlantic City, and the need to focus redevelopment on our urban centers. The two Governors commented that most decision makers in Trenton do not know the nuts and bolts details of what it takes to professionally manage an apartment community. Governors Florio and DiFrancesco called on NJAA members to help enhance the Apartment Association’s already aggressive advocacy efforts in Trenton by engaging personally with your own local State Legislators. Many thanks to our generous Host Committee members, including Michael Barry, William Dailey, Jonathan Gershen, Michael Goldberg, Michael Haydinger, Tom Kretsch, Jeff Kurtz, David Legow, and Jeff Smith. To-date in 2011, we have raised $175,000 for the PAC and have another $25,000 in commitments. If you have not contributed to the PAC yet in 2011, please consider doing so today! Help us promote and defend apartment living in New Jersey. For a contribution form, click here.

September 30, 2011

Join Us on Tuesday for the Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception Is Governor Chris Christie really running for President? What does his decision mean for New Jersey? How about the November legislative races? Any chance the Republicans can ride Gov. Christie’s popularity and sweep-out the Democrats? If you have an interest in New Jersey politics and multi-family housing, please plan to join us next Tuesday Oct 4 , 7:00 -9:00 PM at Crestmont Country Club, West Orange, for our on Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception. Special guests include two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R). Program moderator will be Jim Hooker, veteran State House commentator and former anchor of NJN News. Tickets are $500pp and there are only few spots left. Click here for bios on our special guests, for a copy of the invitation click here.

September 23, 2011

Time is Running Out to Reserve Your Spot at our Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception – October 4th Act now and reserve your spot at the premier multi-family political and policy event of the year – the Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception, on Tuesday, October 4th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, at Crestmont Country Club. Join us for a very special evening and hear from two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R) – and get their views on issues facing New Jersey. Our program moderator will be Jim Hooker, veteran State House commentator and former anchor of NJN News. Tickets are $500 pp. Click here for bios on our special guests, for a copy of the invitation click here.

September 16, 2011

Tickets Going Fast for our Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception – October 4th, 7:00 PM Act now and reserve your spot at the premier multi-family political and policy event of the year – the Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception, on Tuesday, October 4th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, at Crestmont Country Club. Join us for a very special evening and hear from two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R) – and get their views on issues facing New Jersey. Our program moderator will be Jim Hooker, veteran State House commentator and former anchor of NJN News. Tickets are $500 pp. Many thanks to our generous Host Committee members, including Michael Barry, William Dailey, Jonathan Gershen, Michael Goldberg, Michael Haydinger, Tom Kretsch, Jeff Kurtz, David Legow, and Jeff Smith. For bios on our special guests, click here, and for a copy of the invitation, click here.

September 9, 2011

Act Now and Reserve your spot at our Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception Invitations were mailed last week to all NJAA members for our upcoming Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception, on Tuesday, October 4th at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange. Special guests this year include two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R) – and will be moderated by Jim Hooker, veteran State House commentator and former anchor of NJN News. Tickets are $500 pp. Many thanks to our generous Host Committee members, including Michael Barry, William Dailey, Jonathan Gershen, Michael Goldberg, Michael Haydinger, Tom Kretsch, Jeff Kurtz, David Legow, and Jeff Smith. For bios on our special guests, click here, and for a copy of the invitation, click here.

September 2, 2011

Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception Keep an eye out in your mailbox for an invitation to our Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception, on Tuesday, October 4th at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange. Our program this year includes two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R) – and will be moderated by Jim Hooker, veteran State House commentator and former anchor of NJN News. Tickets are $500 pp.

August 26, 2011

Energy Policy: NJAA Submits Comments on Draft Energy Master Plan On August 24 the NJAA submitted formal, written comments on Governor Chris Christie’s draft Energy Master Plan (EMP). The Governor’s draft is an overhaul of the prior Corzine-era EMP and outlines policies for use, management and development of energy over the next decade. Included in the Governor's draft EMP under "Policy Direction and Recommendations" are proposals for potential expansion of utility sub-metering, building retrofits and benchmarking, and appliance efficiency upgrades. Click here for a copy of the 128-page draft EMP, and click here for a copy of NJAA’s comments. The NJAA will continue to engage with the Governor's staff and cabinet on energy policy issues affecting professional multi-family rental housing providers and we look forward to the next steps in this important policy-making process.

August 19, 2011

Energy Policy: BPU Approves Sub-Metering NJAA Petition for Water Service in New Multi-family Construction On August 18 the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved the NJAA’s petition for approval of sub-metering for water and sewer service in new multi-family rental construction projects, effective immediately. Approval of sub-metering has been an NJAA policy priority for several years and this Order is the culmination of a decade-long advocacy effort spanning five gubernatorial administrations. The Board’s Order approves the use of sub-metering technology to measure water consumption on a per unit basis, and charge residents for their actual usage. Copy of final Board Order is expected early next week. Expansion of sub-metering in rental housing was included as a recommendation in the Lt Governor’s bi-partisan Red Tape Report (April 2009) and approval of sub-metering is one of the first energy policy recommendations from the Red Tape Report to go into effect. Contact Conor Fennessy in the Trenton Office, 609-393-5200, with any questions.

August 12, 2011

Moderator Announced for Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception – Tuesday, October 4 We are pleased to announce that Jim Hooker, veteran State House commentator and former anchor of NJN News, will be joining us on as the moderator for NJAA’s premier political & policy event of the year – our Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception, on Tuesday, October 4th, Crestmont Country Club in West Orange. Special guests include two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R). Help get the pro-apartment living message out to decision makers and opinion leaders in Trenton. Please consider giving to NJAA PAC. Many thanks to our dedicated Host Committee members, including Michael Barry, William Dailey, Jonathan Gershen, Michael Goldberg, Michael Haydinger, Tom Kretsch, Jeff Kurtz, David Legow and Jeff Smith. Keep an eye out in upcoming issues of AIM Magazine for additional details on our special guests. Tickets are $500 pp. Invitations will be mailed in late-August, but click here for an advance copy of the PAC Reception flyer.

August 5, 2011

Mark Your Calendars: Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception – Tuesday, October 4 Be sure to mark Tuesday, October 4th on your calendars for NJAA’s premier political & policy event of the year – our Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception , at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange (Essex County). Special guests include two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R). Help get the pro-apartment living message out to decision makers and opinion leaders in Trenton. Please consider giving to NJAA PAC. Many thanks to our dedicated Host Committee members, including Michael Barry, William Dailey, Jonathan Gershen, Michael Goldberg, Michael Haydinger, Tom Kretsch, Jeff Kurtz, David Legow and Jeff Smith. Keep an eye out in upcoming issues of AIM Magazine for additional details on our special guests. Tickets are $500 pp. Invitations will be mailed in late-August, but click here for an advance copy of the PAC Reception flyer.

July 29, 2011

New Jersey Green Building Manual (NJGBM) Completed and Available Online The Rutgers Center for Green Building announces the availability of the New Jersey Green Building Manual (NJGBM or Manual). The Manual is a comprehensive web-based document that defines a baseline of performance guidelines for green buildings and outlines best practices for green building. The standards developed in the process of creating this manual have been used to determine eligibility for economic development funds for green building. The legislature authorized the creation of the Manual (C:52:27D130.6) to provide this guidance to owners and builders who participate in any state program that either encourages or requires the construction of green buildings. The NJGBM is a consensus-driven product with significant stakeholder input taken through Technical Advisory Group. The New Jersey Apartment Association worked closely with the Rutgers Center for Green Building in the development of this project to ensure that multifamily interests were represented in the finished product. The NJGBM is organized into four sections: New Commercial, Existing Commercial, New Residential, and Existing Residential (multifamily is included in both commercial and residential sections depending on height to reflect different construction/rehabilitation practices for those buildings). Each section contains best practices and case studies for improving energy efficiency and sustainability of our state’s buildings. To see the manual visit http://greenmanual.rutgers.edu/

July 22, 2011

State House Update: NJAA Government Affairs Round-Up – Summer Edition Now Available! The NJAA Government Affairs team is pleased to provide the latest edition of our Government Affairs Round-Up on key legislative, regulatory, policy, political, and legal issues of interest to professional multi-family rental housing providers. At the State House, no individual effort could ever duplicate the NJAA's relationships with key Legislative Leaders and Committee Chairs who introduce thousands of bills every year, or regulators who draft dozens of rules that affect the quality of apartment living. The industry's collective efforts, combined with work of the Association's government affairs staff to track and monitor hundreds of initiatives in the Senate and General Assembly, ensures the unified voice of multi-family owners, managers, builders, and developers is heard. For a copy of NJAA's Round-Up, click here. Please note, the Government Affairs Round-Up is an NJAA-member only benefit and is not for public dissemination.

July 15, 2011

July 8, 2011

State House Update: Senate to Hold Session Monday to Vote on Overriding Governor’s Line Item Veto of the State Budget Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) announced that the Senate would hold a session on Monday to try to restore funding to a number of spending items in its budget that passed the Legislature, but were redlined by the Governor using his constitutional power of a line-item veto. A separate vote will be taken on each item that leadership is trying to restore, and a two-thirds majority (27 votes) is necessary to succeed in overriding the governor’s veto (Democrats hold 24 seats and would need at least three Republican votes to reach that threshold). The override is unlikely to succeed as has been evidenced in past efforts by the Democratic majority to override Governor Christie’s vetoes. The vote would need to succeed in the Senate before it could head to the Assembly for consideration in the lower house.

July 1, 2011

State House Updates: NJAA Priority Bill to Eliminate Duplicative Inspections Approved by Full Senate On June 28 the full NJ State Senate, in a bi-partisan show of leadership, approved S-2795 in a close 23-13-4 vote. Lead by Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May), Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-Union), this important reform initiative was approved after several days of intense negotiations and lobbying. All 15 Republican Senators present voted “Yes,” and were joined by a coalition of Democrats from southern and north NJ, including: Senator Van Drew, Senate President Sweeney, Senator Jim Beach (D-Camden), Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Senator Bob Gordon (D-Bergen), Senator Ron Rice (D-Essex), Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) and Senator Sandra Cunningham (D-Hudson). The NJAA greatly appreciates the leadership these Senators showed, in the face of an aggressive misinformation campaign by the bill’s opponents. The bi-partisan legislation clarifies state law to restore common-sense, balance, and fairness to New Jersey’s comprehensive statewide registration, regulation, and inspection system that has, for nearly 45 years, served the public well. It aligns and clarifies various statutes to make the State solely responsible for establishing and enforcing registration, maintenance, use, and inspection standards for rental properties of three (3) or more units and prevents municipalities from imposing additional registration or inspection schemes on properties already inspected by the State. This initiative is a top policy priority for the NJAA and we appreciate the efforts of Senator Van Drew and Senator Oroho to secure Senate approval before the summer recess. S-2795’s companion, A-3835, is sponsored by Asm Kevin Ryan (D-Essex), Asw Mila Jasey (D-Essex), Vice Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee, and Majority Leader Joe Cryan (D-Union). The NJAA appreciates the Senate and Assembly sponsor’s interest in this important issue, and we look forward to working with the Assembly sponsors and stakeholders in moving this initiative through the legislature in the post-election Lame Duck session. For a copy of S-2795 as approved by the Senate, click here, and for a copy of the final Senate vote tally, click here.

June 24, 2011

State House Update: Legislature Passes Reforms of State Worker Pensions & Benefits Sweeping reforms to the pension and benefit system for State and local employees nears final approval as both the General Assembly and State Senate approved the controversial measures late night which would require workers to contribute a larger share of their income toward their pension and health benefits, while suspending cost-of-living adjustments for current and future retirees until the system returns to solvency. In a bitterly divided vote which had the Assembly Speaker Oliver (D-Essex) and Majority Leader Cryan (D-Union) on the opposite side of the debate, the bill passed the General Assembly 46-32, and a similar measure passed the Senate 24-15. Since the two versions are not identical, the Senate will convene Monday to consider the version that passed the Assembly. It is widely expected to pass and be immediately signed into law by Governor Chris Christie. The Christie administration estimated that the measure would save $3 billion in health benefits over the next 10 years, and $120 billion in pension costs over the next 30 years, mostly due to the suspension of the cost-of-living increases. Public employee unions mounted a week-long series of demonstrations against the measure that peaked at 8,500 as protestors gathered on Thursday during the pivotal vote in the General Assembly. Union leaders have criticized the bill as eliminating collective bargaining, and also are expected to challenge the Constitutionality of these reforms – particularly the elimination of the cost-of-living adjustments – in the courts. These measures would significantly reduce the State’s health a pension liabilities, which currently are among the highest in the nation. With the passage of the pension reform bills, the Legislature will now turn its attention to passage of the FY 2012 State Budget, which must be signed by the Governor by June 30th at midnight to avoid a government shutdown. NJAA will continue to monitor developments at the State House as Legislators work to complete business before breaking for the summer and the upcoming elections.

June 17, 2011

State House Updates: NJAA Secures Key Amendments on Mold Legislation in Assembly Committee Working with sponsor and members of the Assembly Environment & Solid Waste Committee, the NJAA was able to secure amendments to A-3773, which aims to require the Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish standards concerning mold exposure in all residential buildings. The bill was amended and released in a 6-0 vote by the Environment Committee on June 16. Asm Dan Benson (D-Mercer), the prime sponsor, agreed to add language at the NJAA’s request clarifying the ability of professional maintenance staff at multi-family properties to continue to address mold-related issues as part of regular maintenance practices – as they are able to do so today. However, under the bill, once the Department of Community Affairs establishes standards and procedures for mold, maintenance staff must abide by those standards and incorporate them into everyday work practices. For a copy of the bill as amended, click here.

June 3, 2011

Mark Your Calendars: Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception – Tuesday, October 4 The date and special guests for this year’s Eighth Annual NJAA PAC Reception were announced last week at NJAA’s 22nd Annual Conference & Expo. Be sure to mark Tuesday, October 4th on your calendars and plan to join us at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange (Essex County). Special guests include two former New Jersey Governors – Governor Jim Florio (D) and Governor Don DiFrancesco (R). Michael Aron, Senior Political Correspondent - NJN Television News, will serve as our moderator once again. Many thanks to our dedicated Host Committee members, including Michael Barry, William Dailey, Jonathan Gershen, Michael Goldberg, Michael Haydinger, Tom Kretsch, Jeff Kurtz, David Legow and Jeff Smith. Keep an eye out in upcoming issues of AIM Magazine for additional details on our special guests. For a copy of the PAC Reception flyer, click here.

May 27, 2011

NJAA Submits Friend-of-the-Court Brief in Support of the Newark Housing Authority Position in N.H.A. v. Melvin The New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) joined the National Apartment Association (NAA) to submit a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the position of the Newark Housing Authority (NHA) in Newark Housing Authority v. Veronica Mevlin, which is currently pending in the state appellate court. NHA is appealing a lower court ruling that would create due process and legal standing for named occupants, and would therefore require that an owner serve all known occupants of an apartment notice of an eviction action (currently an owner must serve only the tenant(s)). In a joint brief, the NJAA and NAA urged the court to reverse the decision as this creation of rights for occupants without the corresponding duties of tenants is contrary to established principals for contract and property law. Click here for a copy of the brief prepared by Chris Hanlon, Esq., Hanlon Niemann, P.C and John McDermott, General Counsel for the NAA. Please contact Nicholas Kikis by e-mail or 732-992-0605 if you have any questions or need further information about this submission. Many thanks to the National Apartment Association for its participation and support.

May 20, 2011

State House Updates: NJAA Presents Policy Recommendations to the Assembly Housing Committee The Assembly Housing & Local Government Committee held a hearing on May 19 to take testimony from a group of invited guests regarding rental housing affordability issues in New Jersey. The NJAA was invited by Chairman Jerry Green (D-Union) to participate, and were pleased to submit testimony addressing several areas where policymakers could improve conditions by reducing regulatory burdens on the industry that unnecessarily drive up the cost of housing. Our verbal testimony encouraged the Legislature to: pass A-3835/S-2795, legislation aimed at clarifying state law to restore commonsense, balance, and fairness to the state’s comprehensive registration and inspection system for multiple-dwellings; eliminate redundant and unnecessary state regulations which drive up the cost of housing, including the antiquated boiler inspection and log book regulations; and to streamline New Jersey’s regulatory framework on lead-based paint. The NJAA appreciates the opportunity to provide our policy recommendations before the Committee. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship; working in concert with Chairman Green, Vice Chair Jasey and all Committee members on any housing, land use and economic development issues you may be looking to tackle this session. As the only statewide trade association representing owners, managers, builders and developers of multi-family rental housing, we welcome the Committee’s attention to the issue of housing affordability and offer our assistance and expertise to this important endeavor. Click here for a copy of NJAA’s formal written submission.

May 13, 2011

State House Update: NJAA Priority Bill to Eliminate Duplicative Inspections Was Approved by Senate Committee On May 12, the Senate Community & Urban Affairs Committee, in a bi-partisan unanimous vote, approved and released S-2795, legislation sponsored by, Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) and Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex). The bill clarifies state law to restore common-sense, balance, and fairness to a comprehensive registration/regulation/inspection system that has, for nearly 45 years, served the public well. It aligns and clarifies various statutes to make the State solely responsible for establishing and enforcing registration, maintenance, use, and inspection standards for rental properties of three (3) or more units and prevents municipalities from imposing additional registration or inspection schemes on properties already inspected by the State. This initiative is a top policy priority for the NJAA and we appreciate the efforts of Senator Van Drew and Senator Oroho in helping to facilitate the bill’s movement during this hectic May – June Budget sprint. S-2795’s companion, A-3835, is sponsored by Asm Kevin Ryan (D-Essex), Asw Mila Jasey (D-Essex), Vice Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee, and Majority Leader Joe Cryan (D-Union). The NJAA appreciates the Senate and Assembly sponsor’s interest in this important issue, and we look forward to working with the sponsors and stakeholders in moving both initiatives through the legislative process. Click here for more details about this legislation available on our website.

May 6, 2011

Education for All NJAA Conference Exhibitors: Get the Latest Expo News and Updates Enhance Your NJAA Tradeshow Experience – How to Get the Most from This Year’s Conference & Expo May 11 – Free for Members NJAA has moved to a NEW venue, The Atlantic City Convention Center, and enhanced our expo floor! Don’t miss important details surrounding our show. Come to learn, ask questions and get a refresher course on how to work the expo floor. Make the most of your presence with pointers from some industry experts. Panelists include industry veterans Larry Falkow, The APTS Magazine, Eileen Patterson, Apartments.com and Tim Smith, HD Supply; NJAA Owner Members: Mike Beirne, Kamson Corporation, Brent Kohere, Home Properties and NJAA Staff. We’re determined to make your tradeshow experience beneficial while maximizing your return on expo investment. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time exhibitor, you’re guaranteed to walk away with valuable information necessary to a successful tradeshow experience. Held at NJAA Headquarters, this free session is open to NJAA Exhibitors and members only and is eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CEC) for NAA designates. Click here for a registration form or click here to register online. Contact Melissa Vaccariello by email or 732-992-0604 for more information

April 29, 2011

Housing Policy: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Releases Latest Report on Renting in America The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University released a report, entitled “America’s Rental Housing: Meeting Challenges, Building on Opportunities,” which provides an overview of social, demographic, economic, and construction trends that are impacting rental housing landscape across the United States. The MacArthur Foundation-supported report highlights the need for maintaining an adequate supply of affordable rental housing. While nearly all Americans rent at some point in their lives and renters reflect the full diversity of the nation, they are more likely to be young, single, and low-income, which makes them particularly sensitive to increases in housing costs, according to the report. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of renter households could increase by 360,000 – 460,000, while the supply of new units has been constrained by the economic downturn. The full report is available by clicking here and report fact sheet is available by clicking here.

April 22, 2011

DEP Compliance Update: Department Issues Reminder on New NJ Fertilizer Law NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin issued a statement on April 21 to remind residents to be mindful of the environment when applying lawn fertilizers and to obey a new law Governor Chris Christie recently signed to protect New Jersey's waterways from misapplication of these products. Governor Christie signed legislation earlier in 2011 as part of a three-bill initiative to improve water quality across New Jersey. The new law effectively replaces a patchwork of local ordinances that have had varying standards. The law requires consumers to follow best management practices when using fertilizers; sets a requirement for creation of a certification program for lawn care providers; and ultimately requires manufacturers to reformulate fertilizers to decrease the total amount of nitrogen in their products and increase the amount of slow-release nitrogen they contain. In addition, the law prohibits use of phosphorous in fertilizer for turf unless a soil test indicates it is needed. The first phase of the law went into effect immediately with the signing of the legislation on January 5, and requires the use of best management practices to reduce the impacts of fertilizers on waterways. The law does not establish state fines for consumers but municipalities have the discretion to set penalties. The law allows the state to fine professional applicators up to $500 for the first offense or $1,000 for a second offense beginning next year. For details on the law and tips on eco-friendly lawn care, click here. Excerpted from DEP press release, April 21, 2011

April 15 2011

April 15, 2011

State House Update: NJAA Joins Business Coalition in Support of DEP Waiver Rule Proposal The NJAA joined several statewide business and trade groups this week in support of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) recent waiver rule proposal. In a letter signed by the NJAA, NJ Business & Industry Association, NJ State Chamber of Commerce, NJ Chemistry Council, NJ Builders Association, NJ Food Council, and NJ Petroleum Council, the coalition’s leaders wrote: “In following through with Governor Christie’s Executive Order 2, this rule sets forth conditions in which the Department can waive the strict compliance with a regulation if the waiver would be consistent with the core mission. As New Jersey grows its economy and looks to attract new business and jobs to our state, our organizations believe that this waiver rule sends the right message that the DEP is willing to work with business while still respecting the environment. This rule allows for flexibility and a mechanism for the consideration of a waiver in appropriate circumstances. Additionally it allows for new technology and innovative approaches to dealing with environmental problems while still providing the public with the required transparency associated with regulatory activity.”

April 8 2011

April 8, 2011

State House Update: New Legislative District Map Approved for November 2011 Elections On Sunday, April 3 the State Apportionment Commission released a new Legislative District map for the November 2011 elections. The re-districting process occurs every decade and reflects the most recent US Census data. All 120 state legislators – 40 state Senators and 80 General Assembly members – will campaign under the new map this fall. Click here for the new map and click here for a district-by district break-down including all 566 municipalities. A quick review of the new map shows several changes, especially in the North Jersey counties of Bergen, Essex and Morris; Central Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Mercer; Shore counties of Ocean and Monmouth; and Southern Jersey counties of Atlantic and Cape May. Democrats currently control both houses of the State Legislature – 47-33 seat majority in the Assembly, and 24-16 in the Senate – and have done so since 2003. Most media reports indicate that the new map is not expected to change the partisan make-up of either the Senate or General Assembly. Please note the new Legislative District map does not affect New Jersey’s U.S. House districts. The Congressional District map will be re-drawn next year, in time for the November 2012 Federal elections.

April 1 2011

April 1, 2011

State House Update: Supreme Court Agrees to Hear COAH Appeal On March 31 the New Jersey Supreme Court announced it would take-up a controversial case on the latest set of rules promulgated by the NJ Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) that could change affordable housing in the state, renewing a longtime debate over how towns should implement court-mandated obligations to provide housing for low and moderate income New Jerseyans. The Supreme Court signed the order to hear the case, originally decided by the Appellate Court in October 2010. The appeal was filed by 13 towns and the state's League of Municipalities. The Appellate Court invalidated COAH’s latest round of regulations, and dismissed the concept of “growth share,” or building proportional to a town’s growth. Housing advocates argue growth share allows wealthy towns to shirk their obligation to provide adequate affordable housing for low-and-moderate income New Jerseyans, as mandated in the Supreme Court’s Mount Laurel decisions. COAH has also faced scrutiny from lawmakers and the governor in recent months. A bill abolishing the Council all together reached the Governor's desk, but Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the proposal, sending it back to the Legislature for additional work, citing too many changes from the bill’s original form. Introduction of a new bill is pending. Gov. Christie is in favor of a percentage of new development required to be affordable units, rather than a mandated number of units statewide. Excerpted from Newark Star-Ledger, April 1, 2011.

March 25 2011

March 25, 2011

BPU Announces Revised Public Hearings Schedule for Draft Energy Master Plan The NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) released a revised schedule for three public hearings in May and June on yet-to-be released revisions to the Corzine-era Energy Master Plan (EMP) from 2008. The meetings originally scheduled for March 29, April 7 and April 13 are all cancelled. New meeting dates include: May 20 (NJIT in Newark); May 25 (Richard Stockton College, Pomona) and June 1 (State House Annex, Trenton). The NJAA submitted stakeholder comments in September 2010 as part of a series of early stakeholder meetings the Board organized to talk in very broad generalities about Governor Christie’s priorities for an updated EMP.

March 18 2011

March 18, 2011

Federal Update: NJAA Wraps-Up Successful Capitol Conference with Two Delegation Meetings NJAA leadership and staff returned to New Jersey on Tuesday after three productive days in Washington, DC at the National Apartment Association’s annual Capitol Conference. On Monday and Tuesday, NJAA members and staff headed to the Hill for meetings with the NJ congressional delegation, including US Rep Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon) and Jon Taets, Legislative Director for Rep Lance, as well as Chris Russell, Senior Policy Advisor for US Rep Scott Garrett (R-Sussex), Chair of the House Financial Services subcommittee on Financial Markets. The NJAA delegation was joined in the Russell meeting by Jeanne Delgado, VP – Business & Risk Management Policy for the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC).

March 11 2011

March 11, 2011

State House Update: NJAA Submits Detailed Comments on Draft NJ Law Revision Commission Proposal The effort to update and modernize New Jersey’s landlord tenant laws is one step closer to reality, as the New Jersey Law Revision Commission has concluded a public comment period on its comprehensive 185 page proposal to create a new landlord-tenant law in New Jersey. The proposed revision would consolidate the landlord-tenant provisions into one statutory title, would remove inconsistencies, clarify the text by incorporating case law into the statutes, and would modernize a number of provisions to reflect technological and other developments since the statutes were first enacted. The proposal creates a comprehensive and consistent landlord-tenant title that is accessible to the public.

February 25 2011

February 25, 2011

Governor Chris Christie delivered his annual Budget Message before a Joint Session of the New Jersey Legislature on Tuesday, Feb 22, unveiling a proposed FY 2012 State Budget of $29.4 billion. The Governor’s proposed budget imposes no new taxes and would increase funding for property tax rebates, which he has conditioned upon cost-savings from legislative action on State employee pension and benefit reforms. Additionally, the Governor is proposing several significant tax policy changes, including: corporate business tax reform, reducing the S Corporation minimum tax to 25%, raising the estate tax exemption to $1 million, and phasing out the transitional energy facility assessment over three years.

February 18 2011

February 18, 2011

On February 17, Asm. Kevin Ryan (D-Essex), Asw. Mila Jasey (D-Essex) and Majority Leader Joe Cryan (D-Union) introduced A-3835, which seeks to clarify that the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has sole enforcement responsibility of State Housing Code, not municipalities. This initiative is a policy priority for the NJAA and will save municipalities thousands of dollars by eliminating duplication of services.

February 11 2011

February 11, 2011

DEP Update: Public Meeting announced for draft Sewer Service Map in Hunterdon County On February 4 the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced they will hold a public meeting to discuss Hunterdon County's draft sewer service area map on Wednesday, March 9, as part of planning efforts to update the Water Quality Management Plans for the Upper Delaware and Upper Raritan regions. The public meeting will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Hunterdon County Administration Building, Route 12 County Complex, Flemington. This meeting will give the public an opportunity to learn about and discuss the sewer service area map covering the following eight Hunterdon County municipalities that are located mostly or completely outside of the North Jersey Highlands region: Delaware, East Amwell, Flemington, Franklin, Frenchtown, Kingwood, Raritan and Readington.

February 4 2011

February 4, 2011

On February 3 the Assembly Housing & Local Government Committee meet for the first time in 2011, and Chairman Jerry Green (D-Union) welcomed two new Democratic members: Asm Dan Benson (D-Mercer) and Asm Kevin Ryan (D-Essex). Asm Benson, from Hamilton Twp., is a former Hamilton Councilman and Mercer County Freeholder, and Asm Ryan, from Nutley, also serves as an Essex County Undersheriff. The Housing Committee’s partisan make-up remains 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans. The NJAA looks forward to working with these two new Assemblymen on the key housing, land use, and economic development issues facing New Jersey. If you own or manage property in either the 14th District of Mercer & Middlesex counties (Cranbury, Hamilton, Jamesburg, Monroe, Plainsboro, South Brunswick & West Windsor) or the 36th District of Essex, Passaic & Bergen (Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Garfield, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, Nutley, Passaic, Rutherford, Wallington & Wood-Ridge) please consider volunteering to host a Legislative Site Visit to help the NJAA put a local face and name on our membership with the key policy makers. Contact Casey O’Brien by e-mail or 732-992-0609 if you are interested in hosting Site Visit.

January 28 2011

January 28, 2011

State House Update: Governor Vetoes COAH Reform Bill In a move that surprised few State House watchers, Gov. Chris Christie conditionally vetoed S-1/A-3447 on January 24, sending the bill back to the Legislature for further consideration. Using a constitutional mechanism that is not available in most other states, the Governor’s “conditional veto” is actually a re-write of the legislation back into a form that has previously passed the State Senate in June. The Legislature will now have an opportunity to approve or reject the Governor’s proposed changes. For a copy of the Governor’s 49-page veto message, click here.

January 21 2011

January 21, 2011

President-Elect, Officers and Board Installed at the NJAA 2011 Annual Meeting On Wednesday, January 19, the New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) kicked off its 25th Anniversary year with special guest Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa at the Annual Membership Meeting at The Palace at Somerset Park. NJAA installed its President Elect, Executive Officers and Board, and honored its 2011 Diamond Sponsors. We are pleased to announce Brent Kohere has been named NJAA President-Elect. “Brent’s contributions as a member of the Executive Board have positioned him perfectly to assume the role of President next year. I am thrilled he has accepted this honor” said NJAA President Jeff Smith. Over 170 members of the association attended the event to congratulate the new appointees (shown below) and recognize the 2011 Diamond Sponsors. Prior to the Annual meeting, new members mingled with our Board of Directors and Membership Committee at the New Member Reception, giving them a chance to make connections within the industry and find out about the many benefits the association provides to its members.

January 14 2011

January 14, 2011

COAH Reform – S-1: In a rarely used procedural mechanism called “concur by amendment,” the full Senate amended and simultaneously voted to approve Senator Lesniak’s (D-Union) COAH Reform bill by a vote of 21-16, with three Senators not voting. The bill was sent back to the Assembly, where it was approved later that same evening by a vote of 45-32. S-1 now heads to Governor Chris Christie’s desk, where it is expected to be vetoed.

January 7 2011

January 7, 2011

On January 6th the State Senate, for a second consecutive session day, again postponed a vote on legislation aimed at overhauling New Jersey’s affordable housing laws. The bill (S-1/A-3447) was previously amended and passed by the General Assembly in a deeply divided 43-32 vote on Dec 13, 2010, before being sent back to the Senate for approval. For details on the Assembly’s version, see the December 17th Friday Update. S-1/A-3447 is expected to be back on the Senate agenda at the next session on Monday, January 10, where the sponsors – Senator Ray Lesniak (D-Union) and Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May)—will offer amendments. If amendments are approved, the bill will have to go back to the General Assembly for concurrence before moving to the Governor’s desk for final action. Governor Christie has threated a veto if the bill remains in its current form.

NJAA

Friday Updates Archive