Eminent Domain Sparks Controversy in New Jersey

Developers had plans for the largest undeveloped waterfront property north of Hoboken in the state of New Jersey. The borough of Edgewater has other plans.

1 minute read

July 21, 2017, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The owners of the former Hess Corp. terminal, who are proposing to build a large residential and retail complex on the River Road properties, are threatening to sue the [Edgewater] Borough Council over its decision this week to begin acquiring the land through eminent domain," reports Svetlana Shkolnikova

"The [Edgewater] council plans to use the space for the borough’s Department of Public Works, parking space and parkland," according to Shkolnikova. The council wants to spend $25 million to purchase the property through eminent domain.

The Maxal Group, a real estate and private equity firm, and EnviroFinance Group, a land reuse and redevelopment company, bought the property in 2014 and were hoping to pitch their development idea before the council at the end of the month. The "proposal for the 13.9-acre waterfront tract asks for permission to build 1,253 residential units, 44,650 square feet of retail space and 1,649 parking spaces spread among three high-rises ranging in height from 23 to 25 stories," according to Shkolnikova.

The article includes a lot more detail on the developing controversy.

Thursday, July 20, 2017 in NorthJersey

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star