BLOG:
Relocation Benefits: Major Changes in Federal Regulations After Two Decades
Relocation benefits are crucial for individuals and businesses affected by relocations due to federally funded projects. These benefits provide essential financial and logistical support, ensuring that those displaced can transition smoothly to new locations. The federal regulations governing relocation benefits had not seen significant updates in two decades, leading to outdated provisions that no longer... Read More
Commercial Property Tax Implications in a Cooling Industrial Market
The industrial market, once a hotbed of activity and growth, is experiencing a notable cooling trend. This shift is primarily due to a combination of rising interest rates, decreased demand, and maturing leases and debt. Understanding the commercial property tax implications of this cooling industrial market is crucial for property owners and tenants alike. As... Read More
As We Approach Our Nation’s Birthday, a New Jersey Appellate Court Rejects Hospitals’ Takings Claims
With the 4th of July fast approaching, a New Jersey appellate court issued its opinion in Englewood Hospital v. State of New Jersey. Englewood Hospital v. State of New Jersey. While the case is hot off the press and we haven’t fully digested it, there was no ambiguity about the result: “Considering the arguments and... Read More
Understanding New Jersey Short-Term Rental Laws
New Jersey short-term rental laws were recently clarified when the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals decided that Jersey City’s regulations limiting the ability to use private property for short-term rentals were not a taking. 2022-8-16 Nekrilov v Jersey City Third Circuit. This decision is a significant interpretation of New Jersey short-term rental laws, impacting... Read More
Understanding Just Compensation: Insights from Devillier v. Texas
Understanding the definition of just compensation is crucial when discussing eminent domain, a legal process allowing governments to take private property for public use. The case of Devillier v. Texas highlights the complexities surrounding this issue, as it underscores the legal battles property owners face in securing fair compensation. This case is significant because it challenges the... Read More
Beach Season: Appellate Court Clarifies Motion Procedure in a Condemnation Case
In late February 2024, the N.J. Appellate Division decided on an appeal involving a Point Pleasant condemnation case where a property owner filed a barrage of pre-trial and post-judgment motions. All of the owner’s motions were denied by the trial judge. After hearing arguments, the Appellate Division ultimately affirmed the rulings. The justification for the... Read More
No More Gold for El Dorado County California
A unanimous United States Supreme Court decided in favor of property owner George Sheetz on April 12, 2024. Opinion here: Sheetz v Eldorado. Six months ago, the Court granted certiorari to hear the owner’s complaint about an excessive permit fee of $23,420 (our blog on topic here). The fee was imposed as a condition precedent... Read More
Morristown Property Tax Revaluation – 2023 Letters Were “Wrong”, New Ones Coming Soon
Morristown’s first real property tax revaluation in approximately 20 years is underway and scheduled to be completed this year. Our prior blog post on this topic from early 2023 discussed the process that is now occurring and confirmed that the revaluation, originally set for 2022, had experienced delays for a variety of reasons: Morristown Property... Read More
Something Stinks (But Not The Jury Award For Houses Flooded w/ Sewage)
Quick one before heading out for the Easter holiday weekend. Apparently, a Camden County jury recently awarded four property owners over $21,000,000 for damages caused by a flooding event in 2019, which substantially damaged their residential properties. The plaintiffs’ alleged that before the flooding event in June 2019, their properties ranged in value from $350,000... Read More
SCOTUS Declines DAPL Appeal: What It Means for the Dakota Access Pipeline
The Supreme Court’s decision to decline the DAPL appeal has significant implications for the future of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been a focal point of controversy since its inception, primarily due to its environmental impact and the opposition from Native American tribes. The recent refusal by the Supreme Court... Read More
