Professional Services for Planning & Zoning Board Attorney and Redevelopment Attorney

The Borough of Garwood, located in Union County, New Jersey, is actively soliciting professional service proposals for a Planning/Zoning Board Attorney and a Redevelopment Attorney for a contract period spanning January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks highly qualified and experienced legal firms or individual attorneys to provide comprehensive legal support to the Borough's Planning and Zoning Board, as well as specialized legal expertise for complex redevelopment initiatives. The extensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to, advising on matters related to the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL), and the Coalition on Affordable Housing (COAH). Additionally, the selected attorneys will handle property acquisition, eminent domain proceedings, negotiation and drafting of various redevelopment agreements, leases, easements, and use and occupancy agreements, alongside general municipal law counsel. Prospective contractors must be licensed New Jersey Attorneys in good standing with a minimum of five (5) years of substantial experience in their respective specialties. For the Planning/Zoning Board Attorney, a minimum of five years of direct experience in Planning/Zoning, coupled with a deep understanding of MLUL, LRHL, COAH, and familiarity with the Borough's Master Plan and Chapter 106 Code, is mandatory, including experience within Union County. The Redevelopment Attorney role requires a minimum of five years of practice in Redevelopment Law, at least one year as a municipal attorney per N.J.S.A. 40A:9-139, and a strong preference for a Diplomate in New Jersey Municipal Law Courses. Expertise in eminent domain, contaminated property, and financial agreements (tax exemptions, abatements, PILOTs) is essential. All respondents must provide resumes, copies of certificates/degrees, a brief narrative of abilities, three professional references, and certifications regarding criminal convictions or grand jury target letters within the last five years. Professional Liability Insurance of at least $500,000 will be required upon contract award, to be maintained throughout the contract term. No mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are indicated for this solicitation. Sealed submissions, clearly marked on the exterior with the proposer's name, address, and the specific position applied for (Planning/Zoning Board Attorney and/or Redevelopment Attorney), must be addressed to Patricia Vazquez, Borough Clerk, Borough of Garwood, 403 South Avenue, Garwood, New Jersey 07027. Submissions must include one (1) original proposal, one (1) duplicate copy, and one (1) electronic copy on a USB drive, clearly labeled. The definitive deadline for proposal receipt is Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. prevailing time, at which point proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers. Required forms include an Ownership Disclosure Statement, Non-Collusion Affidavit, and a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate (BRC). Respondents must also comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements and New Jersey's political contribution disclosure laws (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.13). The Borough reserves the right to reject any and all submissions. For further details and to obtain RFQ documents, interested parties may visit the Borough website at https://garwood.org/rfps_bids or contact clerk@garwood.org. UNLOCK