June 13, 2007.  The New Jersey Supreme Court released its opinion in the matter of Gallenthin Realty Development v. Borough of Paulsboro  holding that the New Jersey Constitution authorizes government redevelopment of only "blighted" areas, the Legislature did not intend the Redevelopment Statute to apply in circumstances where the sole basis for redevelopment is that the property is "not fully productive."  Rather, subsection 5(e) applies only to areas that, as a whole, are stagnant and unproductive because of issues of title, diversity of ownership, or other similar conditions.  The court then goes on to invalidate Paulsboro's classification of Gallenthin's property as in need of redevelopment.What does it mean? 

Today marks the turning point on eminent domain abuse in New Jersey.  Last month Public Advocate Ronald Chen released a report highly critical of New Jersey's Redevelopment Law.  Today's New Jersey Supreme Court unanimous decision will aid property owners in their struggles to retain their properties.  In Harrison, Manny Amaral and his neighbor Steven Adler both have appeals pending in the Appellate Division.  The Supreme Court's decision is extremely helpful to both cases since both previously argued that their properties were not blighted.  Until the Appellate Division decides both cases, the properties will remain vacant and its highly unlikely that the Town of Harrison or the designated developer will move forward with their redevelopment plans.