NJ building code aiming to cut down on red tape

Real Estate Weekly, June 16, 2004

Gov. James E. McGreevey announced the establishment of a new construction code office that will handle all permits for redevelopment and development projects in Asbury Park.

"We will cut red tape so permits are reviewed and approved quickly, eliminate excessive bureaucracy and provide other incentives for the right type of development," said Governor McGreevey.

He also awarded the city a $200,000 grant from the Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements, including street repaving, new sidewalks, intersection improvement and new curbing.

"This funding will allow Asbury Park to rehabilitate its streets, improving safety and traffic flow, while relieving local residents of the burden of shouldering this investment themselves," said Department of Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere. "I look forward to the Department continuing to contribute to this great city's resurgence."

In addition to cutting red tape, the McGreevey administration is working to ensure infrastructure, such as streets and sidewalks, is in place to support redevelopment projects.

In April, Governor McGreevey announced the approval of one single environmental permit that authorized the construction of more than 3,000 residential units and 450,000 square feet of commercial space as part of the city's Waterfront Redevelopment Plan.

By expediting the application reviews, DEP shaved months off the permitting process and helped the city jumpstart its redevelopment of the waterfront.

In addition, the Economic Development Authority is providing $1.5 million in loan financing for the Waterfront Development project and DEP is investing half a million dollars in Boardwalk restoration through the Green Acres program. The NJ Schools Construction Corporation has committed more than $85 million to build 21st century classrooms to provide Asbury Park's children with an education that prepares them to succeed.

In total, these public-private partnerships will bring $1.2 billion in investment to Asbury Park and will create 7,000 construction-related jobs and 3,200 permanent jobs in the commercial, retail and entertainment sectors.