Gov. Phil Murphy Recently Announced that the State’s Economic Development Authority Will Partner with NJ Transit to Redevelop Land Surrounding NJ Transit Stations
Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced that the state’s Economic Development Authority will partner with NJ Transit to redevelop land surrounding New Jersey’s train stations. The new initiative should result in many new opportunities for New Jersey businesses.
“Transit-oriented development and encouraging smart growth is one of the centerpieces of Gov. Murphy’s economic strategy,” Tim Sullivan, the CEO of the EDA, said. “The governor’s plan advances NJ Transit’s continuing efforts to promote economic growth in the state while increasing non-fare box revenue for the agency,” Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit, added.
Plan to Redevelop NJ Transit Stations
Under the plan, parking lots and other property located in close proximity to rail stations would be converted into mixed-use developments containing housing and retail businesses. The idea is to establish “villages” that spur economic activity in areas that are currently underutilized.
According to the Murphy Administration, the state plans to prioritize development around stations in Newark, Trenton, Metro Park, Jersey City, and Paterson. NJ Transit has separately targeted locations in Bordentown, Bound Brook, Camden, and Hoboken. The EDA has yet to release any information about the size of the lots and how much housing and retail space could be built. Issues regarding zoning, housing density, and the establishment of additional transit services near the properties will be addressed on a project-by-project basis, according to officials from NJ Transit and the Murphy Administration.
Existing Transit Oriented Design Developments
While this is the first time that the State of New Jersey has officially targeted transit redevelopment, it is not a new idea. In support of the initiative, Sullivan cited similar redevelopment projects on property owned by New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
In New Jersey, several local municipalities have also worked with NJ Transit. The Link at Aberdeen Station, which was the result of a partnership between NJ Transit, Aberdeen Township and the developer, opened in 2018. It features apartments, stores, restaurants and walkable access to the Aberdeen-Matawan Station.
This summer, the city of Bayonne and NJ Transit announced they are partnering on a redevelopment project that will involve the construction of multi-unit mixed-use building on what is now part of the parking lot of the 34th Street Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station.
In Somerville, a developer purchased 11 acres of land from NJ Transit, which will serve as the site for a Somerset Station transit village. The project is slated to include 370 apartments, 156 townhouses, 4,000 square feet of retail space, two parking garages, and a new road connecting Route 206 with the Raritan Valley Line rail station.
Opportunities for New Jersey Developers
Given that the Murphy Administration has stated that it plans to act quickly, we expect that the EDA and NJ Transit will announce additional details shortly, including the publication of Requests for Proposal/Qualifications/Bids.
For businesses that are interested in transit-oriented design developments, we encourage you to work with a knowledgeable New Jersey land use attorney who can guide you through every stage of the process, from proposal to construction.
If you have questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Donald M. Pepe, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.
This article is a part of a series covering New Jersey’s new initiative to redevelop areas near public transit centers. Additional installments from the series are listed below:
Guardianships in New Jersey: When a Loved One Can No Longer Manage Personal or Financial Affairs
When a family member can no longer make important decisions for themself, the question is often not whether the family will step in, but whether they have the legal authority to do so. A spouse may manage household finances, or an adult child may arrange medical care and pay bills. Still, informal assistance does not […]
New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments
New Jersey residential developers with affordable housing obligations should carefully review their existing approvals, development agreements, and proposed deed restrictions in light of the State’s revised UHAC regulations (Uniform Housing Affordability Controls). The regulations, which took effect on November 6, 2025, significantly change the administration and physical requirements for affordable housing units. For developers with […]
“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy
A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]
Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders
Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]
Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer
A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]
Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know
When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
