Stay informed about what's happening in Bloomfield, West Orange, Montclair, and across Essex County. I cover local development projects, tax changes, and community issues that affect homeowners and homebuyers in Northern New Jersey. .
Research note for this update: 2 new stories added on Bloomfield redevelopment and a neighborhood zoning debate. Every story links to its original source article, and stories older than six weeks are archived to keep this page current.
Covered by Sorelle Crooks - local real estate agent and Essex County insider keeping you informed about the developmentsthat affect your neighborhood.
The long-vacant former South Junior High School at 177 Franklin Street in Bloomfield is being marketed for sale as a fully entitled 122-unit adaptive reuse project called Bloomfield Lofts. Approvals are largely in place even though construction has not started. Here is what the redevelopment means for the neighborhood and property values.
Temple Ner Tamid is seeking a use variance to expand its house of worship at 936 Broad Street by roughly 5,195 square feet on a residential-zoned site. The application is pending before the Zoning Board with organized neighborhood opposition. Here is what the debate means for the area.
The Montclair Township Council introduced a redevelopment plan for the Claremont Avenue municipal complex on August 18, the first formal step toward deciding the future of the roughly 2-acre site that has housed town hall since 1980. The plan sets parameters for the property rather than committing to a specific use, and officials say where municipal offices will relocate is still undecided. Because the same site includes the Cornerstone House, a 23-bed Salvation Army shelter, residents are watching closely how the redevelopment would affect it. Here is what the step means for homeowners and renters.
Crews were filming across Essex County in the first week of September: a CBS legal drama shot at a Bloomfield banquet hall off East Passaic Avenue, and a new eight-episode series was working at Brookdale Park's tennis courts. The three towns are a recurring film and television destination, part of New Jersey's expanding production economy that already includes a film studio district in West Orange. Here is what the production momentum means for local businesses and homebuyers.
Bloomfield's Planning Board is studying the downtown-adjacent parcel at 78-88 Locust Avenue for redevelopment designation, the first formal step toward a possible mixed-use project. Here is what it means for the neighborhood and property values.
West Orange released its long-awaited Fair Share housing plan this summer and the Planning Board is moving it through adoption. The plan names specific sites and gives the town its strongest defense in the builder's remedy lawsuits. Here is what it means.
A roughly 300,000-square-foot film studio campus is still in the planning stage behind the Edison Lofts in West Orange. Here is what the project includes, how many jobs it could bring, and what it means for the neighborhood.
Downtown Bloomfield keeps adding places worth knowing, and the nut-free bakery Sweet Bliss is drawing families near the Broad Street block. Here is what the new spot means for the neighborhood.
The real Bloomfield NJ downtown story is the Master Plan, an NJ Future award, and CHA's redevelopment around the station. One clear note: the 825 parking space town center RFP you may have seen online is Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Urban Natural Home opens its 10,000-square-foot flagship showroom at Lackawanna Station, with live music and a $1,000 gift card giveaway planned for September 24. Here is why the new store matters for downtown Montclair shoppers, homeowners,and buyers.
Montclair went out to bid,and launched a community survey asking residents what they want from the library renovation. The roughly $36.6 million project renovates the Main Library and doubles the Bellevue Avenue Branch. Here is what the civic project means for homeowners,and buyers.
New Jersey American Water is finishing its door-to-door canvassing in West Orange to find lead and galvanized service lines, ahead of replacements by 2031. Here is what homeowners and buyers should know.
The Essex County Board of Taxation has a revaluation schedule through 2029, with Bloomfield and Montclair set for 2028. Essex County also carries the highest average property tax bills in New Jersey. Here is what the schedule means for homeowners and buyers.
Joseph Fleres takes over as Bloomfield's school superintendent as the 2026-27 year begins, with a state aid fight and PILOT funding squeeze still unresolved. Here is what it means for families and buyers.
New Jersey ANCHOR property tax relief payments begin rolling out this month,and new applications are due in early November. Here is who qualifies,how much Essex County homeowners can expect,and the deadline to watch.
Six candidates are running for mayor and five for two council seats in West Orange, with taxes, PILOT deals,and development at the center. Here is what it means for homeowners and buyers.
West Orange still had not adopted its 2026 municipal budget as of mid-August,with a proposed tax hike of about 7.26 percent drawing criticism. Here is what the delay means for homeowners,and buyers.
A mixed-use apartment building of roughly 95 to 104 units is proposed at the former Essex House restaurant site on Northfield Avenue in West Orange. As of September, the application remains under completeness review with no final vote. Here is what it means for homeowners and buyers.
Bloomfield officials reviewed the township's zoning rules for data centers amid resident concerns and found no immediate threat. Here is what that means for homeowners, buyers,and the local market.
A six-story mixed-use redevelopment is planned across the Sacred Heart campus on Bloomfield Avenue and State Street in Bloomfield. Here is what the project means for the neighborhood, parking, and homeowners.
West Orange Town Council approved a 425-unit apartment complex at 100 and 200 Executive Drive, including 64 affordable housing units under a PILOT agreement. Here is what the major development means for property values and the community.
West Essex Regional School District updated its electronic device policy for grades 7-12 in August 2026, joining a statewide trend of stricter student phone policies. Here is what it means for families considering Essex County schools.
Bloomfield's 2026-27 school budget raises the school tax levy 4.97% and includes staff cuts as the district copes with reduced state aid. Here is what it means for homeowners and families.
West Orange Planning Board approved a developer's proposal to build a two-story supermarket on Main Street at the former Walgreens and Americana Diner site. Here is what the new grocery means for homeowners and property values.
New Jersey's bell-to-bell cell phone law takes effect with the 2026-27 school year. What it means for Bloomfield, West Orange, Montclair, and Essex County families.
Industry Tavern, a steakhouse concept teased as a classic warmly nostalgic tavern, will take over the former Pineapple Express barbecue space in the historic 1913 Lackawanna Station. Here is what the opening means for downtown Montclair.
West Orange Township Council introduced Ordinance 2987-26 creating a new residential permit parking zone in the Valley neighborhood. Here is what the new parking rules mean for homeowners and buyers.
The historic Edison Lofts, a 334-unit luxury apartment complex converted from Thomas Edison's factory, sold for $131 million in August 2026. Here is what the record sale means for West Orange homeowners and buyers.
Essex County registered just 910 active home listings as of August 1, 2026, making it the tightest housing market in the region. Homes are selling at 109% of list price on average. Here is what the data means for local buyers and sellers.
Nishuane Pool closed early for the 2026 season as Montclair builds a completely inclusive playground accessible to people of all abilities. Here is what the upgrade means for families and homebuyers.
Montclair homeowners face a combined property tax increase of over $1,500 from municipal, school, and referendum hikes. Tax bills were delayed as the township awaited county rate certification.
Montclair Township Council voted 5-1 to transfer a 30-year PILOT agreement for the stalled 74-unit Church Street project. Here is what it means for downtown Montclair and the housing market.
Montclair launched an Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Project to help homeowners build backyard cottages and basement apartments. Here is what the ADU initiative means for homeowners and the housing market.
Bloomfield officials provided an update on flood prevention efforts through the Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee. Here is what ongoing stormwater management means for homeowners.
A proposed SwimQuest swim school at 580 Valley Road in Upper Montclair is under Planning Board review. Parking shortages and flooding concerns are key issues. Here is what the development means for the neighborhood.
Montclair ranked #2 nationally among America's hottest housing markets in August 2026. Homes in 07042 sell in 18 days on average. Here's what the national ranking means for local buyers and sellers.
Six candidates have filed for three open seats on the Bloomfield Board of Education in the 2026 election. Here is what it means for school funding, tax policy, and homeowners in Bloomfield NJ.
Hummus Republic opened at 412 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair in August 2026. Mexicali Rose announced a return that was never confirmed and has not materialized. Here is what the news means for the neighborhood.
Pig & Butter, the chef-owned brunch spot from Manhattan's Lower East Side, opened August 7 in Montclair's South End on Orange Road. What the opening means for the neighborhood and why it matters to buyers.
Bloomfield home prices rose 5% in Q2 2026 with 124 sales recorded and homes selling in an average of 34 days. What the market data means for buyers and sellers in Bloomfield NJ.
Amtrak awarded contracts for the $242M Dock Bridge rehabilitation. The near-century-old bridge carries 700+ trains daily. What it means for NJ Transit commuters from Bloomfield, Montclair, and West Orange.
West Orange achieved Platinum-Level EV Adoption Leadership Certification in July 2026. What the designation means for homeowners, sustainability, and property values in this Essex County township.
Montclair's school board authorized up to $250K for a forensic audit by EisnerAmper to investigate the $19.6M budget deficit. Here's what the investigation means for homeowners and students.
Heavy thunderstorms on July 28 flooded streets across Montclair, submerging a vehicle on Burnside Street and closing Upper Montclair businesses. What chronic flooding means for homeowners and buyers in Essex County.
NJ Transit's Portal Bridge 'cutover' schedule means reduced weekday trains and no Midtown Direct service for Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton Line riders. Here's what Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair commuters should know.
Montclair is evaluating options for a new municipal complex estimated at $42M as the existing town hall and police headquarters age. No site has been selected yet. Here's what it means for taxpayers, homeowners, and the community.
Bloomfield Township launched a tree planting initiative to plant 150 trees across the township, funded by a $75K Community Development Block Grant. Here's what it means for homeowners and the neighborhood.
Bloomfield is implementing a data-driven rodent control initiative using GIS mapping to target hotspots. Here is what it means for homeowners, renters, and neighborhood quality of life.
Target opened at West Orange Plaza in March 2026, bringing 280 jobs to the community. Trader Joe's was approved for Mount Pleasant Plaza. Here's what these retail anchors mean for West Orange homeowners and buyers.
Bloomfield now has 6 operating cannabis dispensaries with 2 more on the way. The township collected $787K in cannabis transfer tax revenue in 2025. Here's what the growing industry means for homeowners and the local economy.
To keep this page focused on the latest updates, I move older stories here once they are resolved. Tap any title to read the full story, complete with source links, on its own page. I add new stories as local developments unfold, so check back often.
If you hear about new construction, zoning changes, or community developments in Essex County, I'd love to hear about it. I'm always looking for stories that matter to local homeowners and buyers.
Local knowledge matters. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a longtime property, or relocating from NYC, I can help you navigate the process with honest guidance.