NJ Court Upholds Carteret's Eminent Domain Acquisition
MS&B is proud to have represented the Borough of Carteret in a pivotal yet nuanced eminent domain case.
The Appellate Division recently upheld a Middlesex County trial court’s decision to permit the Borough to acquire a portion of an apartment complex parking lot. This decision allows for a vital infrastructure project that will connect Carteret’s thriving downtown and its developing waterfront.
The property owner, a significant regional developer, fiercely contested the acquisition, citing concerns about unnecessary road extensions and engineering standards. This led to an unusually extensive legal process, with multiple hearings and rounds of briefing required by the trial court.
Under the leadership of Kevin McManimon, and through diligent advocacy, MS&B demonstrated that the road extension serves a valid public purpose and complies with all design standards. The Appellate Division affirmed the ruling on October 17, 2024, marking an important step in improving accessibility across the Borough’s expanding developments.