As the population of New Jersey continues to grow, so does the need for towns and municipalities to provide necessary services their residents. In order to expand power supply lines, construct new schools and improve infrastructure facilities such as roads and bridges, towns rely upon the use of eminent domain. Through condemnation, the government exercises its power of eminent domain in order to take or damage private property for a public purpose.

The United States Constitution requires that the government pay "just compensation" for all property that is taken under eminent domain. Owners of properties, which are a subject of a condemnation proceeding, have the right to contest the government's compensation offer. Stark and Stark's condemnation practice is experienced in protecting the rights of property owners.

The attorneys who comprise Stark & Stark's condemnation practice are experienced in real estate valuation, land use, environmental law and commercial litigation. This multidisciplinary approach allows Stark & Stark to serve any additional need that may arise during the property condemnation process. Our condemnation attorneys work to protect the interests of property owners located in Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey, which gives us a first-hand understanding of the variations between real estate market values. Our attorneys are experienced in:

• The identification of property
• Valuation of property and structures
• Partial takings
• Land use
• Litigation
• Redevelopment

Some recent condemnation matters that we have been involved with include:

• Successfully challenged an area in need of redevelopment designation and redevelopment plan in the City of Trenton on grounds of lack of substantial evidence presented by the Planning Board and City Council.
  
• Represented owner of a pier in Monmouth County in a condemnation proceeding. Our client was originally offered $100,000 for the pier. We negotiated a final settlement for $2,500,000.
• Representing numerous property owners in Mercer and Camden Counties in obtaining just compensation for properties that have been targeted for acquisition by the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation.
• Retained by Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee to defend against a condemnation proceeding brought by the Schools Construction Corporation in Monmouth County.
• Representing a tenant and business owner who is being forced from their building due to a redevelopment project in New Brunswick, in relocation assistance.
  
• Representing a business owner in Mercer County in a condemnation proceeding against the City of Trenton. The value of the property is expected to exceed $800,000.
• Representing numerous homeowners in Mercer County in condemnation proceedings against the City of Trenton.
• Representing business owners in Camden and Cape May Counties in challenging redevelopment plans that will negatively impact their property.
• Representing several clients in negotiating partial takings, including road widenings being constructed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and construction of utility services (gas and electric) throughout the state.