Cruz-Perez, Cunningham Bill to Allow Certain Areas to be designated for Redevelopment Advances

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Senator Sandra Cunningham, which would allow for vacant shopping destinations to be designated as an area in need of redevelopment, advanced from the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today.

“Whether the businesses have left for another place or simply to move entirely online, abandoned shopping malls and strip plazas litter the land in our communities,” said Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester). “Like barren land, these abandoned properties benefit no one and the redevelopment of these places would rejuvenate communities.”

“This legislation will allow municipalities to have a voice when confronting vacant or underutilized shopping centers,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “Redeveloping underutilized land would provide huge benefits to communities, attracting new businesses and residents.”

The bill, S-1583, amends the “Local Redevelopment and Housing Law” and specifies the authority of a municipality to determine if an area containing vacant shopping malls or shopping plazas is eligible to be deemed an area in need of redevelopment. A municipality could offer tax exemptions and abatements to encourage private sector partners to repurpose the land.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 4-0, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.