For the first time since 2001, The New Jersey State Planning Commission has redefined the framework for New Jersey’s future. The officially adopted 2025 State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP) sets a “2050 Vision” centered on sustainability, equity, and smart growth.

Our Role in the Process

At Neglia Group, we believe that sound engineering and planning must be grounded in the specific needs of the municipalities we serve. Throughout the development of this plan, our planning department has been an active participant in the process. We have:

• Attended State-led meetings to represent the interests of our municipal clients.
• Provided technical feedback on early drafts to ensure the state’s “2050 Vision” remains practical and achievable at the local level.
• Collaborated with local leaders to help them understand how these sweeping changes will impact future zoning, infrastructure, and land use.

The 10 Strategic Goals for 2050

The updated plan focuses on ten core pillars:

1. Economic Development: Promoting inclusive growth in clean energy and life sciences.
2. Housing: Expanding “missing middle” and affordable options near transit hubs.
3. Infrastructure: Modernizing the electric grid and removing lead water pipes.
4. Revitalization and Recentering: Transforming underutilized malls and office parks into walkable hubs.
5. Climate Change: Reducing emissions and mitigating flood and heat risks.
6. Natural and Water Resources: Protecting water supplies and restoring ecosystems.
7. Pollution and Environmental Cleanup: Remediating brownfields and hitting 100% clean energy goals.
8. Historic and Scenic Resources: Improving access to open space and preserving cultural sites.
9. Equity: Reducing environmental stressors in “Overburdened Communities.”
10. Comprehensive Planning: Ensuring data-driven coordination across all levels of government.

Looking Ahead

As New Jersey shifts toward compact, climate-conscious development, Neglia Group is ready to help our clients navigate these new regulations to build resilient, prosperous communities.

Contact

For more information and/or questions, please contact our Planning Department:

Lyndsay Knight, PP, AICP, Director of Planning lknight@negliagroup.com

Luke James Kerr, AICP, Staff Planner lkerr@negliagroup.com

Lucia Pachon-Ortiz, Staff Planner lpachonortiz@negliagroup.com

Neglia has been awarded Honorable Mention in the 2025 New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers (NJSME) Project of the Year Awards! Pictured is Scott Loverich, PE, CME served as the lead engineer on this project and worked closely with Norwood to create an ADA-compliant and accessible recreation space for all children to enjoy. Scott Loverich attended the NJSME 2025 Awards Luncheon on November 19, 2025.

Kennedy Park Playground is an ADA compliant and accessible recreational space in Norwood Borough. The existing playground was outdated and not inclusive. The new playground expands accessibility, benefiting families and youth of all abilities. This project was partially funded by a Bergen County Open Space Grant giving access to Bergen County Residents. The playground features accessible structures for all children ages 5 to 12, including wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory features, ground-level and elevated play components, and a pour-in-place safety surface. The new playground can be accessed by all using the concrete ramp and crosswalk, handicap parking, and the shaded picnic area.

Scott Loverich, PE, CME accepting the NJSME 2025 Honorable Mention Award.

Neglia Group received Second Place in the 2025 New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers (NJSME) Project of the Year Awards! Pictured is Senior Manager David Silva, PE, CME who was the lead on this project as well as Ally Tierney PE, CME, accepting the award at the 2025 NJSME Luncheon on November 19, 2025. David Silva worked with Kearny to ensure the project was completed and to not disturb the public-school rowing season.

Neglia Group led the transformation of Kearny’s historic waterfront, revitalizing a deteriorating 1964 dock into a premier facility for scholastic rowing and public recreation. The dock was quadrupled in size from 60 feet to 240 feet, making it one of the largest public-school rowing docks in the United States! The project was approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the NJDEP and fully funded through an NJDEP Green Acres Grant. The dock now features three access ramps allowing for simultaneous launches, and reduced waiting times. Neglia Group also designed a gazebo to enrich the new dock area, allowing community engagement, and providing a flexible area for rowing teams to train or gather during inclement weather.

Neglia Group President Michael J. Neglia and Town of Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle recently visited the project site. Watch here: https://www.kearnynj.org/news/mayor-carol-jean-doyle-and-town-engineer-mike-neglia-visited-the-newly-completed-kearny-boathouse-dock/

David Silva, PE, CME Senior Manager and Ally Tierney PE, CME Project Manager accepting the NJSME 2025 Second Place Award.

Congratulations to the Borough of Rutherford on receiving a 2025 New Jersey Planning Officials’ (NJPO) Achievements in Planning Award for Williams Center in the Rehabilitation Project Category.
Neglia Group played a key role in the rehabilitation of the Williams Center in Rutherford. The curtains opened on this landmark over 100 years ago as the Rivoli Theater. The venue was projected to close in 2021 when the property went to auction. As the planners on this project, Neglia created a redevelopment plan to revitalize the property. This plan was developed by involving all those with a vested interest in the outcome. After listening to public comments, it was evident that this location was meant to serve as a cultural touchstone for those interested in the arts.

The plan ultimately included the preservation of the 650-seat theater which aligned with Rutherford’s Master Plan. Their Plan focused on the importance of a thriving downtown. The location of the theater allows for easy access to NJ TRANSIT. The current building consists of three floors including an underground movie theater, ice cream shop, recording studio, two theaters, a café, book and records store, lounge, and a hall for lectures, comedy shows, and more. The Williams Center is also projected to expand with more retail options and to include residential spaces.

Rutherford former council member Thomas Mullahey and Brian Intindola, PE, PP, CME, CPWM.

Congratulations to the Borough of Bergenfield on receiving a 2025 New Jersey Planning Officials’ (NJPO) Achievements in Planning Award for “Area D” Redevelopment Plan! This project was submitted in the Municipality Category. Members of Neglia Group’s planning department and Bergenfield Mayor and Council members attended the Awards Breakfast on September 26, 2025.

“Neglia Group’s Planning Team has collaborated with Bergenfield for various areas in need studies and redevelopment plans. The featured project “Area D” served as a catalyst. The project is located between South Washington Avenue and Portland Avenue at West Main Street: specifically Block 126 Lots 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16.

The “Area D” Redevelopment Plan includes a mixed-use four-story building with residential units, affordable housing, retail, dining, and various communal amenities with ample parking. Neglia is excited to see the changes take place and bring this vision to life to further support the economic revitalization and development of Bergenfield.

Neglia Group Staff Planner Lucia Pachon-Ortiz, Bergenfield Councilman Marc Pascual, Mayor Arvin Amatorio, Borough Administrator Corey Gallo, and Principal Brian Intindola, PE, PP, CME, CPWM.

Not pictured is Neglia Group Director of Planning/Senior Professional Planner Lyndsay Knight, PP, AICP who made this project possible, as well as Principal David Juzmeski, PE, PP.

Over the past few months, legislation designed to address New Jersey’s Fourth Round affordable housing cycle has been making its way through the Legislature and was passed in the Assembly on February 12, 2024. On March 20, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Bill A4/S50 which passed the Legislature as well as other pieces of affordable housing legislation. The new legislation substantially revises the Fair Housing Act governing housing for low-income and moderate-income familiars in New Jersey.

The new law is intended to streamline compliance and reduce the delays for the construction of new affordable housing, and to provide municipalities and developers with more certainty to enable smarter planning for the location of affordable housing. In addition, the new legislation provides aggressive deadlines which each municipality must comply with to obtain immunity. Notable changes are described below:

COAH is Abolished

COAH failed to function in addressing affordable housing in the state and its functions have been replaced within the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). New Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution and the appointment of designated judges to resolve disputes and determine municipal compliance. Noted as “the program” within the Legislature, it will consist of current or retired judges and other qualified experts. The Administrative Director of the Courts will be tasked with establishing procedures for the purpose of efficiently resolving disputes. The Chief Justice will also designate a Superior Court judge in each of the 15 court districts to serve as a county level housing judge to resolve the disputes over the compliance of fair share plans and housing elements as well as disputes that arise with ongoing compliance.

Calculation of Affordable Housing Obligations 

The DCA is charged with conducting a calculation of regional need, and present and prospective municipal obligations. 

• Regional prospective need will first be ascertained by determining household changes in the two most recent censuses, and the household change will be divided by 2.5 to estimate the number of low- and moderate-income homes needed in each region. 
• Each municipality’s present need obligation will then be determined by estimating the existing deficient housing units currently occupied by low-and moderate-income households within the municipality. 
• A municipality’s prospective fair share obligation will then be determined using data published by the DCA Division of Local Government Services. For the upcoming fourth round, the data will use the beginning of the gap period in 1999. 
• The fair share obligation will also consider a municipality’s land capacity factor, as well as the planning area classification for the municipality under the State Plan. 
• Municipalities are not required to provide affordable housing exceeding 1,000 housing units or 20% of the total number of households, whichever is less. 

Key Dates

The DCA is required to provide a report on the calculations for regional need and municipal obligations within 7 months of the adopt of the new law. The new law was adopted in March 2024 and municipalities can expect their obligations to be determined by October 2024.

Any previous immunity a municipality obtained from exclusionary zoning litigation no longer exists.

The only way for a municipality to obtain immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation is by meeting the following deadlines:

Immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation will be accomplished if a municipality complies with all the deadlines. The municipalities may obtain grace periods for delays due to circumstances beyond the control of the municipality. These grace periods will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the county level housing judge.

Final Thoughts

Neglia Group’s planning department can assist if a challenge is filed, and can help explain bonus credits and incentives. The ultimate goal is to address the housing of families as 50% of the municipal obligation must be addressed with housing for families with children.

In closing, the new law targets areas for redevelopment and requires municipalities with vacant land adjustments to identify sufficient parcels that are likely to redevelop to address at least 25% of the prospective need and must adopt zoning to allow this. If a municipality is unable to do so they must demonstrate why it is not achievable.

Contact Neglia Group today for more information and to learn how we can assist!

President Michael J. Neglia discusses the state of Neglia Group in its 75th year, and provides insight into the future of municipal engineering and consulting.

Neglia Group is celebrating our women in engineering for International Women in Engineering Day today! 

The Women’s Engineering Society formed on June 23, 1919, and Neglia is aligned in their vision “to support women in engineering to fulfill their potential and support the engineering industry to be inclusive.”

Neglia is proud of the successes of these six women highlighted today, and appreciates the skills they bring to our growing firm!

We look forward to supporting our engineers as they progress in their careers, and to continuing the conversations towards a more inclusive industry.

Learn more about the Women’s Engineering Society here, and please read about our women in engineering below!

Ally Tierney, EIT

Favorite Project worked on at Neglia?
My favorite project is the 10th Street Playground in Carlstadt. Seeing the playground in person after construction is a great feeling – that feeling never gets old!

Biggest professional accomplishment so far?
My biggest professional accomplishment was recently passing the PE exam.

Favorite hobby outside of work?
I have a huge passion for theatre. I love to go see Broadway shows whenever I can.

Jammy Vargas, EIT

Favorite Project worked on at Neglia?
Designing Columbian Park in East Orange was definitely one of my favorite projects.

Biggest professional accomplishment so far?
Working for Neglia for several years and gaining experience in my field is something I am very proud of.

Favorite hobby outside of work?
I enjoy watching soccer and going to games.

Haylee Mroz

Favorite Project worked on at Neglia?
The Midland Avenue Streetscape Project remains my favorite project worked on here at Neglia. Its significance is personal as I grew up in the area.

Biggest professional accomplishment so far?
Some of my biggest professional accomplishments have been acquiring new skills in CAD and technical writing for a variety of projects.

Favorite hobby outside of work?
My favorite hobbies outside of work include snowboarding and surfing with my friends.

Lauren Roberson

Favorite Project worked on at Neglia?
My favorite project that I have worked on while at Neglia is the Fort Lee Senior Housing Center for the Bergen County Housing Authority. This project consisted of creating a site plan for the proposed senior housing center using many engineering design elements.

Biggest professional accomplishment so far?
I have enjoyed putting skills learned in school to practical and real-world settings.

Favorite hobby outside of work?
My favorite hobby outside of work is exploring the history of our country through Historic Sites and the National Parks. This love for history has spawned a desire to leave a lasting effect on people around me and is one of the reasons that I wanted to become an engineer to find solutions to people’s everyday problems.

Katherine Orellana

Favorite Project worked on at Neglia?
I definitely have a couple different projects I’m proud of but I’m currently working on a Roadway and Culvert Improvement project for South Park Street in Montclair. My friends and I frequent this area of Montclair often so it’s fun to be able to say I had a hand in designing some part of it.

Biggest professional accomplishment so far?
It’s special to be able to work in what I have a passion for and studied for. It’s an honor to work for Neglia which has given me the opportunity to grow as an engineer.

Favorite hobby outside of work?
My favorite hobby outside of work would probably be cooking but I’ve recently tried a pottery class and really enjoyed it so that could potentially take first place soon.

Yuri Anantasub

Favorite Project worked on at Neglia?
My favorite part of the projects that I’ve worked on so far is the CAD work!

Biggest professional accomplishment so far?
Successfully running a project meeting for the Meadowlands Grandstand Demolition project working with the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority (NJSEA).

Favorite hobby outside of work?
I love to bake! It has basically become my second ‘work’ as I sometimes take cake orders from friends and family for special occasions.

Neglia Group is pleased to announce promotions for David Silva (left), John Dunlea (center), and Norberto Hernandez (right) to Senior Manager. Congratulations!

Read more about their contributions to Neglia Group in their own words below.

David Silva, PE

Every day at Neglia brings on a new challenge. The most rewarding project I have worked on is the Gunnell Oval Recreational Complex in Kearny. As someone who grew up in Kearny, it was an honor to be part of the design team for this major project and provide construction management support through completion. This site is now home to nine baseball and softball fields, six soccer fields, two basketball courts, a tennis and pickleball court, a large playground, two outdoor fitness areas, a volleyball court, and two recreational buildings.

Other notable projects that I’ve worked on are the North Bergen Residential Transit Village, the 455 Sixteenth Street Drainage Improvements project in Carlstadt, the Veterans Memorial Field Improvements and the Dukes Street Stormwater Pumping Station in Kearny. During my time at Neglia, I have appreciated the many opportunities provided to me and I am most proud of the technical knowledge, hard work, and determination that I have been able to contribute.

John Dunlea, PE

During my career at Neglia, the two projects I am particularly proud of are the Wood-Ridge Athletic Complex and Belleville Municipal Stadium. Both major projects required unique site engineering solutions during design and construction. I consider my most memorable project to be the Learning Center Range and 9-Hole Course Renovation Project at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth as it provided my first experience working on a project with substantial grading and drainage design challenges. Lastly, I am looking forward to seeing two large projects currently under construction reach their completion – the Original Grandstand Demolition and Site Improvements at Meadowlands Sports Complex and the new Carlstadt Garden Orchard Municipal Recreation Complex.

I am proud to work for Neglia and consider myself extremely fortunate to work for such a great firm. I do my best to exceed expectations by constantly interacting with clients and building my knowledge and technical skills as an engineer.

Norberto Hernandez, PE

During my time at Neglia Group, I have had the privilege of being involved in notable projects such as the Lyndhurst Middle School, Tops Diner Reconstruction in East Newark, and Wallington Veterans Memorial Library. While each project is different, I am encouraged each day knowing the impact these projects can have on the quality of life for residents of the communities we work in.

I am extremely proud of the growth our firm has experienced over the last several years and take pride in the responsibility we have been given to train the next generation of engineers. Most of all, I am thankful for all the opportunities provided to me and look forward to playing a role in what the future holds at Neglia Group!

Neglia highlights an additional 4 recently completed athletic complex projects:

1. Memorial Field, Park Ridge, NJ
2. Snyder Ave County Park, Berkeley Heights, NJ
3. Belleville Municipal Stadium, Belleville, NJ
4. Wood-Ridge Athletic Complex, Wood-Ridge, NJ

Neglia is pleased to announce that Lyndsay Knight, PP, AICP, has joined the firm as the Director of Planning, bringing more than 10 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Her knowledge and experience will further bolster the firm’s focus on planning and strengthen its ability to serve clients.
 
Lyndsay received her Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado. Her experience ranges from serving as an in-house Municipal Zoning Official for the Town of Westfield to working as a Senior Planner for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
 
While working in the private sector, Lyndsay testified in front of several Boards and served various municipalities by preparing redevelopment plans, downtown revitalization plans, and transportation demand analysis; developing and reexamining master plans; and updating ordinances.
 
Neglia provides planning, engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying, construction administration, and GIS services for clients in the municipal, county, and private sectors. For over 70 years, Neglia has employed highly qualified professionals that provide clients with the dedication, personalized attention, and responsiveness they have come to expect from the firm.