New Jersey Zoning Bill Draws Local Criticism
Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza opposes a new state proposal to redevelop commercial properties into housing.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Commercial
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Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza is voicing opposition to New Jersey Senate Bill 1766, which aims to allow the redevelopment of underutilized commercial properties into mixed-use housing. The proposed legislation seeks to address the state's housing shortage by bypassing local zoning restrictions.
Why it matters
The bill targets the state's housing shortage by facilitating the conversion of vacant office parks and retail centers into residential developments. By allowing these projects to bypass local zoning, the measure aims to revitalize underperforming commercial real estate across the state.
Eligible properties include office parks of at least 50,000 square feet and retail centers with a unit size of 15,000 square feet. Qualifying redevelopments must reserve at least 20% of residential units for affordable housing.
The players
Chris DiPiazza
He is the Mayor of Paramus, a borough in Bergen County that serves as a major commercial hub.
Troy Singleton
He is a New Jersey State Senator who represents the 7th Legislative District and authored the proposal.
The details
Senate Bill 1766 enables the conversion of commercial sites into mixed-use projects by overriding local use variances. To qualify, properties must meet specific size thresholds and have faced high vacancy rates for over a year and a half.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Mayor DiPiazza published a Facebook post criticizing the bill.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing dense, mixed-use housing over traditional commercial sprawl. It challenges the established norms of local zoning control that have defined suburban development for decades.
Residents may see vacant office parks and shopping centers in their towns converted into housing developments. This shift could alter local neighborhood density and impact the availability of affordable housing in the immediate area.
The takeaway
The proposed bill represents a significant push to solve housing inventory issues by repurposing existing commercial assets. Property owners and local officials should monitor the legislative process for potential changes to zoning authority in their communities.
Further reading
Learn more about local land-use trends on the New Jersey Commercial section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - New Jersey.
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Should state governments be allowed to override local zoning laws to increase available housing?
