Garden State Times

Senator Mike Testa (R-1) issued a statement urging that legislation concerning the disposal of NJ Transit property proceed slowly to ensure transparency, competition, and respect for taxpayers and riders. The anticipated legislation is not yet available for review but is expected to be rushed through the legislature and enacted within the next two weeks.

“Governor Murphy’s proposal to pass legislation to change how NJ Transit property is sold must not be rushed in the next two weeks,” Testa stated.

He further criticized NJ Transit's move from its Newark headquarters into an expensive office complex, describing it as part of a "backroom deal" detrimental to taxpayers and riders. “The empty Newark headquarters and the new property can’t be developed or sold with the same lack of transparency and disdain for the public," he added. Testa referenced past corrupt land deals in Newark involving a Deputy Mayor, developers, and a councilman who were sentenced to jail.

Testa emphasized that any new legislation must establish a process that is transparent, competitive, and respectful of taxpayers and riders. He also stressed that funds from property sales should start providing services to South Jersey residents. “We already got taken for one shady real estate ride. We can’t afford more,” he concluded.