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The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously advanced legislation March 2 that would help local governments contend with warehouse development throughout the state.

Sponsored by Sen. Sam Thompson, D-12th District, Senate Bill 3468 would direct the State Planning Commission to adopt regulations or publish regulatory guidance to assist municipal planning boards and other agencies in considering applications for locating warehouses, including potential community concerns such as traffic volume, road safety, and environmental consideration.

The pandemic accelerated the proliferation of warehouse development in communities around the Garden State with our location, infrastructure and skilled workforce attractive to e-commerce companies. But along with that economic activity has come major community concerns.

And more warehouses are on the way. A report from Costar finds that more than 100 warehouses totaling 26.5 million square feet of rentable space are due to be built in New Jersey over the next three years.

“These large warehouse have an impact on the quality of life for host communities and bordering towns,” said Thompson. “They need guidance when deciding to approve these facilities and then to mitigate any negative consequences.”

Thompson added that the benefits and negative impacts of warehouse development need to be carefully balanced and equitably considered.

“This bill will enhance the ability of local government to make those judgements,” said Thompson.