Caren S. Franzini Public Partner Award recognizes
‘champions of economic development’ that inspires and transforms communities
CARTERET, NJ – Mayor Daniel J. Reiman received the Caren S. Franzini Public Partner Award on May 16 from the new Jersey Chapter of NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association.
The award honors “champions of economic development that inspires and transforms communities,” according to NAIOP.
“It’s humbling to receive the Caren S. Franzini Public Partner Award,” Mayor Reiman said. “I must acknowledge the tireless efforts of my team, whose dedication and cooperation made this possible. This award is a testament to our collective commitment to the Borough of Carteret and driving positive change in our community. I share this recognition with all those who work tirelessly to transform Carteret into a thriving hub of opportunity and growth.
The Mayor was nominated for the award by Clark Machemer, Crow Holdings Development’s Senior Managing Director for the Northeast Region.
Crow Holdings at Carteret features 1.2 million square feet of warehouse space on a remediated brownfield site off New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 12 in the Borough’s Landfill Redevelopment District.
In his NAIOP nomination, Machemer said, “This mayor and municipality understand that development is an economic stimulant and driver for growth. They understand how to work with developers. When you go in with a proposal, they tell you what you can and cannot do. That’s music to any developer’s ear and is attributable to Mayor Reiman’s own vision for the town. And he has used — and continues to use – development forb the betterment of his community.
“Mayor Reiman and the Borough were determined to take back a 126-acre former brownfield site and transform it from an environmental challenge to an economic success,” the nomination continued. “And from the start, the Borough was a great supporter of Crow Holdings at Carteret. Today, our three-building property at Salt Meadow Road is ready for occupancy just a half mile from Turnpike Exit 12. This campus, which has introduced a new world-class warehouse/distribution opportunity in the heart of the Greater Port submarket – and already secured its first tenant in Weida Freight Systems — is a quintessential illustration of public-private partnership at its best.”
A NAIOP video about the Mayor’s award can be seen at youtube.com/watch?v=O9zTsUl-ZwY.
The 2024 Commercial Real Estate Awards winners also included:
- Denholtz Properties CEO Steven Denholtz (Charles Klatskin Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Retired NAIOP NJ CEO Michael G. McGuinness (Industry Service Award)
- Roseland-based CSG Law and Bethan Rooney, port director of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Impact Award).
The May 16 gala was held at The Palace at Somerset Park in the Somerset section of Franklin Township.
Updates will be available at Carteret.net or by following @MyCarteret on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Here is Mayor Reiman’s acceptance speech in its entirety:
“It’s humbling to receive the Caren S. Franzini Public Partner Award. I must acknowledge the tireless efforts of my team, whose dedication and cooperation made this possible. This award is a testament to our collective commitment to the Borough of Carteret and driving positive change in our community. I share this recognition with all those who work tirelessly to transform Carteret into a thriving hub of opportunity and growth.
“During my tenure as Mayor of Carteret, we have achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development, catalyzing over $2 billion in private investments. Together, we have revitalized our industrial area, waterfront, and Downtown Cultural Arts & Business District, turning challenges into opportunities for prosperity.
“Our partnership with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has been instrumental in driving redevelopment, with substantial investments in infrastructure that have laid the foundation for economic expansion. From the expansion of Turnpike Exit 12 to the creation of a vibrant performing arts and events center, fitness and wellness facilities, waterfront amenities, and forthcoming ferry terminal, we have transformed Carteret into a destination for commerce, culture, and recreation.
“Central to our success has been the strong collaboration between public and private sectors. We have created an environment where developers are empowered to invest in our community, knowing that we are committed to supporting their endeavors while ensuring responsible growth. Projects like Crow Holdings at Carteret exemplify the power of public-private partnership, converting former brownfield sites into economic engines that benefit our residents and businesses alike.
“Moreover, our commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement is evident in initiatives such as the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. With support from corporate partners like Amazon and local businesses, we have created a vibrant cultural hub that not only enhances our quality of life but also stimulates economic activity in the surrounding area.
“The ongoing revitalization of our downtown, coupled with ambitious plans for ferry service to Manhattan, underscores our unwavering dedication to creating a vibrant, sustainable future for Carteret. By reclaiming our waterfront from industrial use and restoring it as a public asset, we are preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, but our work is far from over. As we continue to pursue innovative solutions and forge new partnerships, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Carteret.
“I am deeply grateful to receive this prestigious award, and I dedicate it to the hardworking residents, dedicated partners, and visionary leaders who have made Carteret the success story it is today.”
