2022 was an interesting year in New Jersey. Development was strong in South Jersey, particularly in warehousing, which saw thoughtful entries (mostly occurring in existing industrial parks) and ones which threatened rural communities by locating on rural roads adjacent to residential neighborhoods. The issue of warehousing was not solved in 2022, although it was clear that communities were intent on combatting those which had no sensitivity to their surroundings. Large solar installations were held up, largely due to the inability of utility providers to add them to their grids. Good intent was held up by the reality of a lagging industry and infrastructure. Many communities experienced an influx of funding through ARPA, and surprisingly, some towns didn’t know exactly what to do with these dollars. This is where planning would be a great tool to have on hand - identify your needs and plan near shovel-ready projects to address them - always have projects at the ready (Pine Mount would love to help!).

And what will 2023 bring? One thing for sure, absolutely anything can happen - unknowns abound and nothing is an impossibility. If I were a betting man, I would say that 2023 will be a busy year, one in which development interests continue. Bottom line, companies need to pivot to the new realities post COVID, and they are still in this process - this means, new priorities, expansion and new development. Towns should be prepared for new types of development, think cannabis cultivation, micro-manufacturing, accessory dwelling units, domestic tourism among others. South Jersey is positioned for growth - Philadelphia is in flux and surrounding communities should take advantage by attracting companies, professionals and their families.

I am excited, although I am naturally an optimistic person. I am also a realist - nothing in this decade is easy or smooth, but if communities plan for change the opportunities are high for growth.