New Jersey Lumber Dealers Association Changes Name

The New Jersey Lumber Dealers Association has fought for the building industry and for related legislation that is fair to all residents in the state since 1884.

 To that end, with the ongoing need for adequate and affordable housing in New Jersey, the association announced today it has a new name—the New Jersey Building Materials Dealers Association (NJBMDA).

 Association officials say this name change was a strategic decision to broaden the scope and services of the trade association, generating additional support for proposed legislation in Trenton that promotes the increased supply of adequate housing. The expanded NJBMDA is inviting all building materials suppliers in the state to come together as a strong, unified voice, committed to educating and advocating for the need for quality, environmentally-sensitive housing in New Jersey.

“As an expanded trade association, we want to do everything in our power to generate widespread support for this pending legislation in Trenton,” says David Guss, NJBMDA president. “By changing our name and broadening our scope, we hope to bring more advocates to the table and play a leading role in getting this legislation passed.”

The bill (A-3860), sponsored by Assemblyman Jerry Green (Middlesex, Somerset, Union) and Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez (Camden and Gloucester), would alter the Municipal Land Use Law to accomplish many important objectives, including:

• Promoting the use of renewable energy sources;
• Promoting the establishment of appropriate population densities and concentrations;
• Promoting sufficient space for a variety of uses, including residential, recreational, commercial and industrial uses, as well as open space;
• Promoting new transportation routes; and
• Promoting planned unit developments and senior housing.

The bill originated through the efforts of the New Jersey Builders Association, the leading association for contractors and builders in the state.

“People throughout New Jersey should have equal access to housing and to living where they want to live,” says Rick Alampi, executive director of the NJBMDA. “Our state lawmakers need to gain a greater appreciation for the importance of housing and the need to accommodate a growing population in quality homes.”

The association will be working throughout the fall to educate state lawmakers about the value of this proposed legislation, mobilizing the entire building trades industry in the state to serve as advocates.

Guss says state regulation in recent years has greatly hindered development in New Jersey, which has directly impacted the ability of people to live where they want to. It has been a major concern of the industry.

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