Woolson Anderson Peach
A Professional Corporation - Attorneys at Law

Land Use, Zoning and Real Property

Woolson Anderson Peach has more than 50 years combined experience in representing local land use boards in various municipalities. The firm has also represented numerous individual, corporate, and non-profit clients in land use matters over the years. We welcome the opportunity to counsel businesses in all aspects of real property law. We have vast experience in land use, for example, and can assist developers, builders or business owners in filing successful zoning applications, such as requests for variances or subdivision approval.

Mr. Anderson's knowledge of land use has led to his appointment as municipla and board attorney for numerous municipalities, and he currently represents the Zoning Board of Adjustment of Hillsborough Township and the Planning Boards of Califon Borough and Union Township, Hunterdon County, both so-called "combined boards" which serve as both Planning Boards and Zoning boards of Adjustment for their respective municipalities. His experience representing the government in zoning matters gives the firm a unique ability to assist businesses or individuals who are on the 'applicant' side before other boards.

The firm also litigates disputes involving land use or real property. Currently, Mr. Peach is involved in groundbreaking litigation, Sullivan v. Max Spann Real Estate et al. which involves the issue of whether attorney review should be required for properties purchased at auction. The trial Court's decision in Sullivan (link to opinion here) is currently on appeal before the Appellate Division, and will likely be heard by the state Supreme Court. Both the New Jersey State Bar Association and the New Jersey Realtor's Association are participating as amici curiae ("friends of the Court") in this precedential case.

Mr. Anderson continues to represent Brancuburg Township in a significant zoning case brought by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. involving the 2008 re-zoning of Merck's 200 acre farm. A 2016 trial court decision favorable to Merck was reversed by the Superior Court, Appellate Division in 2018 (link to opinion here). A new trial court decision in 2019 was favorable to Branchburg. The matter is again before the Appellate Division at Merck's request.

Mr. Anderson also handles commercial real estate closings, ofter in conjunction with purchases or sales of businesses. Combined with our expertise in construction law and general litigation, Woolson Anderson Peach is a one-stop full-service firm for businesses that face legal issues pertaining to real property.

We use our multifaceted public sector experience when representing our public and private clients in a wide range of land use and development matters, including use variances, subdivisions, site plans, developer agreements, permitting, environmental matters, affordable housing and related appeals and litigation.

Please make an appointment to discuss your land use questions, applications or litigation, whether business or personal.