Real Estate And Development In Essex County: 2025 News Roundup

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County saw plenty of action last year when it came to real estate news and local development stories.

Take a look back at 2025 with our yearly recap of real estate and development articles in Essex County:

Essex County Towns Ranked By Property Taxes (See Updated List)

Who pays the highest average taxes? What towns have the highest home values? What "effective tax rates" topped the charts? Find out here.

Essex County Town Privatizes Its Water System, $19M Sale Finalized

The sale required approval from local voters. Here's what is coming down the pike.

NJ Judge Halts Construction On Controversial Power Plant In Essex County

The plant would provide backup power to a wastewater facility that was flooded during Hurricane Sandy. Here's why critics are against it.

New Jersey Judge Tosses Towns' Affordable Housing Lawsuit

More than two dozen towns joined a lawsuit seeking to halt the newest law regarding affordable housing requirements.

Work Starts On $125M Movie Studio In Essex County (Take A Sneak Peek)

Here's when the major film studio is expected to open – and what's in it for local residents.

New Jersey City OKs Rent Control Law After Years Of Activism From Tenants

Housing advocates say the city's new rent control laws are some of the strongest of their kind in New Jersey.

Critics Oppose ‘Mega-Development’ Plans For Essex County Forest

A plan is on the table to build hundreds of housing units at a forest near West Orange, Essex Fells, Roseland and Verona.

Feds Seek To Squash Biden-Era ‘Redlining’ Settlement In Essex County

The Trump administration is trying to end a settlement with a large corporate bank over alleged housing discrimination in New Jersey.

Tale Of 2 Malls: Frustration In Livingston, New Stores In Short Hills

Shoppers are getting a very different experience at the malls in Livingston and Short Hills these days.

Redevelopment Plan For NJ Hospital Site Sees Pushback

A coalition of Essex County residents and community groups are demanding more of a voice in the $350 million real estate project.

Sham Nonprofits Are Abusing NJ’s New Foreclosure Law, Senator Says

A state law that aims to give families and nonprofits more leverage against home "flippers" is being exploited, its sponsor says.

‘Nightmare’ Tax Bills For Homeowners Linked To Revaluation In Essex County Town

This North Jersey town recently carried out a property tax revaluation – the first it has seen in more than a decade.

Ailing Apartment Building In NJ Now Faces Massive Rent Hike, Advocates Say

An apartment building in North Jersey that a law clinic once described as "notorious" may now see a huge rent hike, advocates say.

NJ Town’s $24M Library Represents A ‘New Chapter,’ Supporters Say

"At a time when many public libraries are facing book bans, budget cuts and ideological scrutiny, our town has made a bold statement."

Town In Essex County Faces 2 ‘Builder's Remedy’ Lawsuits

Builder's remedy suits allow real estate developers to bypass local zoning laws – if they provide affordable housing as part of the deal.

NJ Town Loses Court Battle Over Warehouse At ON3, Files Appeal

This town has been embroiled in a long-running arm wrestling match over the complex, which borders Clifton on Route 3.

Residents Keep Pushing Against Proposed Skyscrapers In North Jersey City

The complex was set to be one of the largest developments that the neighborhood has seen for decades – until a lawsuit was filed.

Plan For Senior Center In NJ Town Derailed Due To Cost; Group Calls Decision 'Disappointing'

Plans for a long-awaited senior center in this North Jersey town have taken a detour.

Another Essex County Town Prepares For Tax Revaluation: Here's What It Means

It has been almost two decades since a property tax revaluation was done in Cedar Grove. That will change this year – here's what to know.

NJ Hospital Expands Its Emergency Department (Take A Peek Inside)

"When our emergency department was built, it was designed to accommodate just 50K visits per year. Today, we see well over 100K cases."

Work Begins On 4-Story Apartment Building In Essex County Town

The project is scheduled to begin leasing in Summer 2026.

Essex County Town Nets $700K Grant To Restore Local Landmark

A historic building in this town is getting a $700,000 makeover.

Polaroid Photos Capture ‘Decaying Landmarks’ Of North Jersey

Wheeler Antabanez explores decaying landmarks, lost cemeteries and industrial ruins: all through the ghostly lens of Polaroid film.

No More Affordable Housing Required In This NJ Town Until 2035, Officials Say

This New Jersey town has met its affordable housing quota for the next decade – with more than nine years to spare, officials claim.

Apartment Complex In Essex County Sells For $40.8 Million

The property also includes a 17,000-square-foot school facility, two commercial units and three rooftop terraces.

North Jersey Apartment Hunters Face Tough Competition: Report

Can't find an apartment to rent in North Jersey? You're not alone, a new report says – it's the third-most competitive market in the nation.

New Target Store In Essex County Nears Completion

Three new businesses have signed leases at the North Jersey shopping center, which is anchored by a Whole Foods supermarket.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com