AGP Executive Report

Biotech: Berkeley Heights-based Corxel US and Westfield-based Amanat Acquisition plan to merge, raising about $377 million to advance Corxel’s oral obesity drug into Phase 3 trials. Data Centers: A New Jersey developer has filed a $300 million lawsuit after a township moved to block AI data center plans; opposition is also growing in South Brunswick, while more than 100 towns have enacted full or partial restrictions. Separately, Nebius has activated the first Bloom Energy fuel-cell block at its planned 300-megawatt New Jersey data center. Trade: New Jersey importer Gellert Global Group is challenging 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian cheese, arguing the administration misused federal trade law. Refining: Phillips 66 locked out 385 workers at its Linden refinery after they rejected a concessions contract. Infrastructure: Pilot Fiber is acquiring Boldyn Networks’ New York and New Jersey metro fiber assets. Clean Energy: A New Jersey lawmaker is pushing a first-of-its-kind federal plug-in solar bill that could offer rebates of up to $1,000.

Fiber Infrastructure: Boldyn Networks agreed to sell its New York and New Jersey fiber assets to Pilot Fiber, which would gain more than 1,600 route miles and connections to 50 data centers. The deal is expected to close in 2027. Data Center Energy: Nebius powered up the first Bloom Energy fuel-cell block at its planned 300-megawatt New Jersey data center. Solar Policy: A New Jersey lawmaker proposed the nation’s first plug-in solar bill, with rebates of up to $1,000. Industrial Growth: FreezPak opened an Elizabeth cold-storage facility to expand Northeast capacity, while New Jersey manufacturer White Lotus Home is targeting 25% growth in its private-label business. Construction and Development: The state school development authority began demolition and early site work for a new Newark high school; industrial outdoor storage projects also face zoning uncertainty across New Jersey. Workforce Rules: New state misclassification rules put subcontractors under added scrutiny, prompting employers to review contractor relationships.

Solar Access: Rep. Rob Menendez introduced a federal bill to expand plug-in solar rules and provide rebates of up to $1,000, potentially opening a new market for renters and apartment residents. Jobs: New Jersey was one of only two states to post statistically significant job growth in September, even as employers nationwide added few positions. Data Centers: Kenilworth residents are pressing for more information on CoreWeave’s planned $1.8 billion data center, citing concerns about the project’s approval process, energy and water use, noise and health impacts. Logistics and Retail: FreezPak opened an Elizabeth cold-storage facility to expand Northeast capacity, while Trader Joe’s added planned stores in Jersey City and West Orange. Transportation: Construction is underway on the Port Authority Bus Terminal’s long-awaited overhaul, a major project for New Jersey commuters and regional transit. Industry Investment: Bayonne Dry Dock received a $673,000 grant for equipment and workforce training, and a New Jersey manufacturer, White Lotus Home, is targeting 25% growth.

Theme-Park Safety: Six Flags will add seat belts to Nitro at Great Adventure in Jackson after a fatal ejection on a Georgia coaster, and is commissioning independent safety reviews across its parks. Technology Investment: New Jersey launched a $125 million supercomputer initiative with Rutgers to support innovation and statewide problem-solving. Construction & Real Estate: Lennar has broken ground on Eatontown housing near the planned Netflix Studios East campus at Fort Monmouth, a major production project expected to bring jobs and business opportunities. Ports & Manufacturing: Bayonne Dry Dock received a $673,000 grant for equipment and workforce training, while CRH agreed to sell its New Jersey asphalt plants as part of an $8.5 billion deal. Energy & Development: More than 110 New Jersey municipalities are blocking AI data centers, as advocates seek a statewide moratorium and recent solar policy changes raise questions about future utility bills.

Infrastructure: Construction is underway on the replacement Port Authority Bus Terminal, though the work is already frustrating commuters. New Jersey’s school construction authority also began site preparation for a new Newark high school. Energy and Labor: Phillips 66 locked out 385 workers at its Linden refinery after they rejected a concessions contract. Data and Technology: New Jersey’s $125 million supercomputer initiative aims to boost research and innovation, even as local opposition to data centers grows. A fuel-cell provider says it secured planning approval for a New Jersey project within three months, reflecting the push to power data centers faster. Development: NJEDA’s Aspire program is advancing affordable housing projects in Newark, while industrial outdoor storage proposals face zoning uncertainty. Casinos: Atlantic City’s casino industry faces a warning of up to 11,000 lost jobs by 2035, even as online gaming grows.

Energy and Labor: Phillips 66 locked out 385 workers at its Linden refinery after they rejected a concessions contract, raising fresh questions about labor relations at a major New Jersey industrial site. Transportation: Work is underway on the Port Authority’s $11 billion bus terminal rebuild, but rerouted buses and construction are already slowing commutes for New Jersey travelers. Data Centers: A Rutgers poll found most state residents oppose local data centers, as more than 110 municipalities move to block projects amid concerns about electricity costs and infrastructure. Development: NJEDA’s Aspire program is advancing affordable housing projects in Newark. Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September, while unemployment fell to 4.2%. Technology: The state’s new supercomputer initiative aims to support innovation and tackle shared challenges.

Refinery Labor: Phillips 66 locked out 385 workers at its Linden refinery after they rejected a concessions contract, putting labor relations at a major New Jersey fuel facility in focus. Data Centers & Power: A Rutgers poll found 72% of residents oppose data centers in their hometowns, with many concerned about electricity and water use and higher utility bills. Separately, state officials say all four utilities omitted key PJM votes on power prices and reliability. Food Production: Belvidere-based Edible Garden is shifting some growing to a Tennessee farm under a new supply partnership; it expects the move to cut costs on that production by more than 12% and lift margins. Logistics & Infrastructure: FreezPak opened an Elizabeth cold-storage facility to expand Northeast capacity, while Pilot Fiber plans to acquire Boldyn’s New York–New Jersey metro fiber business. Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%.

Energy Costs: Heating oil has topped $6 a gallon in New Jersey, sharpening the cost squeeze on households and businesses weighing fuel options. Contractor Compliance: The state’s new worker-misclassification rules put subcontractors in the spotlight, raising compliance stakes for construction firms. Digital Infrastructure: New Jersey led BroadbandNow’s state rankings with a score of 97.4, with affordability and service availability among the factors measured. Logistics & Manufacturing: FreezPak opened an Elizabeth cold-storage facility to expand Northeast capacity, while New Jersey manufacturer White Lotus Home is targeting 25% growth in its private-label business. Industrial Investment: Bayonne Dry Dock received $673,000 for equipment and workforce training; the state also launched a $125 million supercomputer initiative and selected 17 startups for its AI Hub. Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%.

Digital Infrastructure: Pilot Fiber plans to buy Boldyn Networks’ New York–New Jersey fiber business, backed by more than $330 million in new financing. The deal would expand its network to over 1,600 route miles and connect more than 1,200 buildings and 50 data centers. Manufacturing: New Brunswick’s White Lotus Home is expanding private-label production and targets 25% revenue growth this year; private-label and wholesale work now accounts for more than half its business. Logistics: FreezPak Logistics has opened a cold-storage facility in Elizabeth, adding services near the port and major highways for temperature-sensitive freight. Technology and Industry: New Jersey’s $125 million supercomputer initiative, with Rutgers as a partner, aims to drive innovation and address statewide challenges. Bayonne Dry Dock also received a $673,000 grant for equipment and workforce training. Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%.

Workplace Safety: A 52-year-old maintenance mechanic died after being crushed by machinery at McWane Ductile’s Phillipsburg foundry. His family is seeking an independent investigation; the plant had previously received OSHA’s highest safety recognition. Technology & Innovation: New Jersey launched a $125 million supercomputer initiative, while the NJ AI Hub selected 17 startups for its second cohort. Energy & Utilities: A state report found all four electric utilities submitted incomplete records of their votes on PJM decisions that affect costs and reliability. New plug-in balcony solar rules are also set to expand options for renters and homeowners. Industrial Investment: Bayonne Dry Dock won a $673,000 grant for equipment and workforce training, and CRH plans to sell its New Jersey asphalt plants as part of an $8.5 billion deal. Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%.

AI and Data Centers: New Jersey’s supercomputer initiative, led by Gov. Sherrill with Rutgers, aims to spur innovation. But the sector faces growing scrutiny: more than 110 municipalities have blocked data centers, lawmakers are weighing AI rules, and a New Jersey facility was fined over alleged air pollution. Clean Water Technology: Atlantic County has installed what partners call the world’s first permanent commercial wastewater system to capture microplastics before they reach the ocean. Commercial Development: A 343,000-square-foot logistics facility changed hands in South Brunswick, while MORVAY nears completion of two Central Jersey industrial projects totaling 113,000 square feet. Insurance Costs: State regulators say they recovered more than $10.5 million for auto customers overcharged by GEICO; the department also hit the insurer with a fine. Energy and Affordability: Rising utility bills are adding pressure for New Jersey households, as data-center power demand intensifies debate over who should pay for grid upgrades. Technology in Retail: Wonder is expanding robot food delivery to Hoboken, building on its Jersey City pilot.

Trade: New Jersey food importer Gellert Global Group is challenging 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, saying cheese duties could cost it $40 million a year and disrupt supply-chain relationships. Technology and Workforce: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched a statewide supercomputer initiative linking research with college training and workforce pathways in AI and advanced computing. Data Centers: At least 112 municipalities have adopted zoning bans on large-scale data centers, as advocates press for a statewide pause amid concerns about power and water use. Insurance: New Jersey says it recovered more than $10.5 million for auto policyholders overcharged by GEICO, which also faces a state fine. Industrial Development: MORVAY is nearing completion of two Central Jersey industrial projects totaling 113,000 square feet, while FreezPak is building a 146,000-square-foot Elizabeth facility. Labor: New Jersey’s minimum wage is set to rise to $16.48 an hour on Jan. 1.

Construction Technology: Upper Saddle River-based EarthCam launched AI connectors that bring jobsite analysis into tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, aiming to save contractors time as labor shortages delay projects. Gaming: New Jersey’s September gaming revenue rose 2.8% to $579.6 million, led by online casinos, up 13%; in-person casino revenue fell 1.3%. Jobs: The state added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment eased to 4.2%. Logistics & Infrastructure: FreezPak is building a 146,000-square-foot Elizabeth facility, while boring machines have begun work on the Hudson Tunnel project. Energy Costs: New Jersey officials say utilities omitted key PJM votes on power prices and reliability, as residents continue to raise concerns about high electric bills.**

Jobs & Investment: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%; the NJEDA also committed $16.5 million to eight startups. Industrial & Logistics Growth: FreezPak plans a 146,000-square-foot Elizabeth facility, while port employers named John Atkins to a leadership role. Sitex Group also bought a South Brunswick warehouse leased to UPS. Energy & Data Centers: Seven in 10 New Jersey voters say electric bills are unreasonable and want utility profits cut. State officials have backtracked after residents raised concerns about data centers, amid reports that one NJ facility emitted significant pollution before regulators intervened. Infrastructure: Hudson Tunnel boring machines are at work, and the Route 70 improvement project is nearing completion. Business & Regulation: Mandelbaum Barrett opened its ninth office in Lakewood. New Jersey lawmakers are weighing AI safeguards as industry representatives warn regulation could raise costs, while safety advocates urge action.

Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%. Data Centers: Wallington officials removed data centers from a redevelopment plan after residents objected to their potential inclusion on a 33-acre site. Energy: Seven in 10 state voters say electric bills are unreasonable and want utility profits cut; a new state law also lets renters and condo owners install solar without utility approval. Infrastructure: Boring machines are now at work on the Hudson Tunnel Project, while a $155 million safety and road upgrade is planned for Camden County’s Route 70. Real Estate: A 343,000-square-foot logistics facility in South Brunswick changed hands, and seven New Jersey ZIP codes made the nation’s 100 most expensive list. Retail: Lidl signed a lease for a third Ocean County store, at Toms River Center.

Jobs: New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as unemployment fell to 4.2%. Education and health services, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality led gains; trade, transportation and utilities shed 5,100 jobs. Energy: Renters and condo owners can now use plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 watts without utility approval, opening a new route to small-scale solar adoption. Infrastructure: A $155 million safety and road upgrade on Route 70 is nearing completion after years of delays. Industrial Real Estate: A 173,475-square-foot industrial lease in Mine Hill and the acquisition of a 343,000-square-foot South Brunswick logistics facility point to continued demand for warehouse space. Environment: A report found PFAS in 91% of tested New Jersey tap-water samples, raising concerns for residents and water providers.