USA-NJ Developer going to disrupt business. What to do?

Question

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Hi, I own a piece of property labeled "My Lot". The area I live in has plans to build a pedestrian walkway on "side street B" which is a small one way street. Recently, a developer has been purchasing land around my property to contribute to this development. They now own Lot A, B and C. They just submitted plans to the city to build a high rise on lot A. I am concerned about being able to use Street B because my tenants and I would need to turn into the back of the lot where there is parking. My first concern is that a potential pedestrian walkway would impede that and my second concern is that construction on that developer site would impede that. How can I fight this? What are my chances of winning? I am going to the site approval hearing next week. I have never been to any of these. How do I prepare? What should I bring? What usually happens in these events? thanks!

USA-NJ, Developer going to build around me and disrupt business, How do I prevent this?

Michael Heisterkamp · Answer

You can raise concerns and if you can show a projected loss of business or value you might be able to get an award from the courts or the planning commission. The trick is going to be providing "proof" that your projections are correct. You can't really stop the development unless you get popular support on your side from the neighborhood.

The real questions is why are you so worried about the development? A walkway impeeding a driveway? That seems like a pretty thin worry in my view. Why not take advantage of the development going on and use the value increase to exit the property to reinvest capital in new investment opportunities.

USA-NJ Developer going to disrupt business. What to do?

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