Urban Land Institute and Langan present revitalization workshop.

Urban Core III: New Jersey's Premier Revitalization Workshop will take place on Thursday, February 15 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.

Co-produced by the Northern New Jersey District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., this year's event focuses on leaders in the state, including Governor Jon Corzine, who are driving redevelopment within major cities, such as Newark, Camden, Trenton, Jersey City, and Phillipsburg, as well as the Meadowlands.

Urban Core III will also feature experts discussing the key issues affecting urban revitalization in New Jersey, ranging from eminent domain to brownfield redevelopment to student housing. Urban Core III highlights several of the initiatives advocated by Governor Corzine's "2007 Economic Growth Strategy," which emphasizes the need for supporting smart, sustainable growth and infrastructure investments within urban areas. Governor Corzine has been invited to give the keynote address.

"Additionally, Caren Franzini, Executive Director of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and Lisa Jackson, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection will provide insight into new state policies and programs designed to stimulate investment and development in urban areas.

"ULI is excited about Urban Core III because it is the one event in the year that convenes the key public officials and leaders in the development community who are truly making urban revitalization a reality in New Jersey," said Richard EX. Johnson, chair of the ULI's Northern New Jersey District Council.

"Langan is proud to once again partner with ULI to put together the definitive forum for constructive dialogue about the policies and programs that enable smart growth in our state," said David T. Gockel, president, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.

"If you are involved in urban real estate in New Jersey, Urban Core III is a must-attend event because it addresses the critical issues confronting your current and future projects.'"

Lately, one issue that has stirred great debate within the development community is eminent domain, which can be used as a tool to facilitate or prevent development, particularly within urban areas where the need for revitalization is most pressing.

Urban Core III will address the topic through two litigators involved in the ongoing, high-profile eminent domain case in Long Branch. James Aaron of Ansell, Zaro, Grimm & Aaron, and Peter Wegener, of Bathgate, Wegener & Wolf, will square off in a "Live Legal Debate," moderated by John Reilly of Farer Fersko.

Other sessions in the program include a panel moderated by Franzini consisting of five urban developers from around the state.

To register for Urban Core III visit the ULI Web site at www.nnj.uli.org. For more information about the event, contact Mark Devaney at 201-398-4527 or mdevaney@langan.com.