Month: May 2020

Due to the ongoing impact on businesses and taxpayers across the State from the Covid-19 public health emergency, both chambers of the State Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill No. 4157, which extends the statutory property tax appeal deadline from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2020.

The Bill also extends the deadline for a County Board of Taxation to render a decision on filed appeals to September 30, 2020. The extensions would not apply to property tax appeals filed for property located in Gloucester or Monmouth Counties. The bill is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.

The New Jersey Supreme Court previously extended the deadline for filing property tax appeals in both the Tax Court and the County Boards of Taxation to the later of May 1, 2020, or 30 days following a determination by the Governor that the State of Emergency declared under Executive Order No. 103 has ended.

We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on taxpayers and to advise our clients with respect to their tax appeals and other matters. Our Property Tax Group is available to perform an analysis or answer any questions regarding a potential or existing tax appeal during this time.

For more information, please contact contact Thomas S. Dolan, Esq. at (973) 803-9758 or tdolan@murphyllp.com.

Earlier today, Governor Phil Murphy announced that all non-essential construction projects will be allowed to resume, starting Monday, May 18th at 6am.

This is a welcome change to those in the real estate development community, as all non-essential construction projects have been on hold since April 8, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order No. 122 (EO122). While there were limited exemptions for projects deemed “essential” under EO122, most multifamily, industrial, and office projects throughout the State were forced to immediately cease construction.

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP attorney Chris J. Murphy, Esq. was recently featured in ROI-NJ in an article titled “Virtual reality: Land use, zoning approvals enter uncharted waters as in-person meetings are forced online by COVID pandemic.”

Land use attorneys are taking their work into a new zone … with some apprehension.

The land use and zoning approval process that governments have developers (and their attorneys) undergo to manage the development of new projects within their jurisdictions is moving all-online during the efforts to further curb the spread of COVID-19…

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.roi-nj.com/2020/05/08/real_estate/virtual-reality-land-use-zoning-approvals-enter-uncharted-waters-as-in-person-meetings-are-forced-online-by-covid-pandemic/

On Monday, May 5th, the Bergenfield Zoning Board of Adjustment granted preliminary and final site plan approval, along with a “D1” use variance and multiple “C” variances, in order to permit construction in connection with the establishment of a Sky Zone Trampoline Park in the Borough’s B2 Zoning District.

Chris J. Murphy, Esq. led the successful effort on behalf of the project team, which included Jason Sheets and David Weinberg of MODA4 Design, Gerry Gesario and Alan Brandies of Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers, Betsy Dolan of Dolan & Dean Consulting Engineers, and John McDonough of John McDonough Associates, LLC.

Also last week, Roosevelt J. Donat, Esq. led a successful effort before the Livingston Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, securing multiple variances in connection with the renovation and expansion of a residential property.

Both approvals came at a time when municipalities are trying to grapple with the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 health crisis. Based on guidance provided by the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services, municipalities have starting holding virtual planning and zoning board hearings. Both approvals were conducted before virtual boards and received unanimous approval.

On Tuesday, April 28th, the Jersey City Planning Board approved plans for the development of a new 11-story mixed-use building and a two-level parking garage in the NJCU West Campus Redevelopment District.

The proposed project will be the centerpiece of the entire University Place Master Plan and has been designated as the University Place Performing Arts Center District under the NJCU West Campus Redevelopment Plan. It will anchor the campus with the development of a new performing arts center, a center for dance, music, and theater, ground floor retail space, 343 apartment units, and a 226-space parking garage.

Chris J. Murphy, Esq. led the firm’s successful efforts on behalf of the development team, which included Bob Hillier and Alexander Kim from Studio Hillier, and Joseph Mele, Matthew DeSimone and Charles Heydt from Dresdner Robin. NJCU worked closely with the applicant and provided critical support. The NJCU team was led by Anthony Bastardi of Strategic Development Group, Jennifer Mazawey of Genova Burns, and John DiGiacinto of Langan Engineering.