ALLENDALE, N.J., Sept. 18, 2009 – Borst Landscape and Design of Allendale has been recognized among the top 150 firms in its industry by two prominent trade publications. In August, the company was listed in the 13th annual “Lawn and Landscape 150,” honoring the field’s leading companies; in June, Landscape Management included Borst Landscape and Design in its “LM 150,” which recognizes the nation’s largest landscape, lawn care, design/build and irrigation contractors.

Borst Landscape and Design specializes in large-scale residential design/build projects and upscale lawn and garden care services throughout northern New Jersey. Mark Borst founded the company as a solo venture in 1989, and since then, he has overseen its continual expansion and the introduction of new services that have strengthened the firm’s competitive position.

As early as 1995, Borst Landscape and Design incorporated a complete, environmentally sensitive, organic lawn and tree care program. In 2007, the company built on growing demand in this area by introducing Borst Organic®, a private label for organic products that treat lawn, trees and shrubs.

During the past year, Borst Landscape and Design has launched two new divisions. Its Estate Services offers upscale residential clients a combination of lawn and garden maintenance services comparable to those of a full-time gardener. In addition, the company established Borst Snow Management, LLC to serve commercial snow removal customers – that in response to continued expansion of the commercial division, which services office, retail, multi-family and industrial properties.

Reflecting its growth and success, Borst Landscape and Design today employs approximately 80 people and generates in excess of $7 million in revenues annually. “Our unique services and our talented employees have brought this company to where it is today,” Borst said. “These ‘Top 150’ recognitions are gratifying, indeed, but even more telling to our progress and our strong corporate culture are the quality and loyalty of our staff. Everyone here works hard to help the company grow, and in turn, they have the opportunity to grow, too.”

The latest recognitions add to a growing list of honors for Borst Landscape and Design. The company has received recognition from a number of national and industry organizations as well, including the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), which is now Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). These awards recognized Borst’s excellence in design, implementation and maintenance as well as the company’s employee, education and safety programs.

MANAHAWKIN, N.J., Sept. 17, 2009 – The Landings at Manahawkin, a seaside community in Stafford Township, N.J., has introduced a customized lease-to-own program for newly built townhomes and condominiums slated for occupancy within the next 90 days, announced Debbie Bertino, vice president of sales and marketing of P&F Management Company, LLC, the developer. Currently, 18 residences are included in this program, which is being offered for a limited time.

“Now that the summer season has come to its unofficial close, many people are considering the purchase of a low-maintenance, newly constructed, affordable home at the Jersey Shore for year-round living or vacation purposes during the spring, summer and fall seasons,” said Bertino. “As a result of what we are hearing, and demand within the Ocean County market for rent-to-own options, The Landings created this unique program to offer prospective homebuyers an opportunity to rent, with up to 50 percent of the rent being earmarked for the home’s down payment.”

The community’s townhomes offer three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath layouts of up to 2,800 square feet, while the two-bedroom, two-bath condominiums provide more than 2,800 square feet of living space. Single-level condominiums also feature finished basements, and all residences offer a one-car attached garage. In addition to high-end finishes and gourmet kitchens, the community offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and an array of lifestyle amenities. Five professionally decorated models are now available to preview.

The Landings is set across the bay from Long Beach Island, just a few minutes from Garden State Parkway Exit 63 via Route 72. Rents start at $1,700 per month, and home prices start in the low $200,000 for the luxury condominiums and townhomes.

In addition to these attractive price-points, first-time homebuyers who close on the purchase of a primary residence by December 1, 2009, also may be eligible for an $8,000 federal tax credit. The Landings now offers free, no-obligation consultations with a mortgage consultant to help prospective homebuyers evaluate their rental and mortgage options.

“Buying a home may not be possible right now because of different personal reasons or circumstances, ranging from credit issues to a recent divorce,” explained Bertino. “Because condominiums and townhomes are less likely than single-family homes to depreciate in the current economy, the time is right to plan for buying by laying the proper groundwork.”

Development of The Landings at Manahawkin is being spearheaded by P&F’s subsidiary, Maplewood Homebuilders. P&F is a multi-faceted real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition, repositioning and redevelopment of underutilized real estate assets and portfolios. For more information about The Landings at Manahawkin, please visit The Information and Marketing Center, located at 1 Bryce Lane, or call (609) 489-0300.

TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 17, 2009 – Michael G. McGuinness, CEO of the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP (the commercial real estate development association) will receive the Lewis R. Applegate Business Leader Award from the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development (NJ SEED) at its Annual Governmental Affairs Seminar. The event will take place on October 14 in Trenton.

NJ SEED is a coalition of labor and business leaders who support balanced public policies that create private-sector jobs, enhance the environment and build economic prosperity. NJ SEED Vice President Jim Benton of the NJ Petroleum Council, who nominated McGuinness for the award said, “Mike has, throughout his career, been committed to fostering a legislative and regulatory climate where the building and construction industries can prosper while meeting the needs of the citizens of our state.”

McGuinness is being honored for his leadership in advocating for a number of economic development initiatives enacted this year, including the New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 and the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Program.

“The commercial real estate industry creates and attracts private-sector jobs to New Jersey. It was critical that we enact economic stimulus legislation this year so that we are positioned to prosper as the national economy begins to recover,” said McGuinness. “I am honored to be selected to receive this award from the members of NJ SEED.”

Also being honored at the event will be: Outstanding Legislator Award recipients Senator Raymond Lesniak, Senator Joseph Kyrillos, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick; Labor Leader Dennis Hallion of the State Troopers NCO Association; Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tom Carver of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; and Executive Branch Leader Stephen Dilts, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Transportation.

In addition to the awards presentation, the NJ SEED Governmental Affairs Seminar will include programs on: “New Jersey’s Economy in Recession” with Rutgers Economist Joseph Seneca and “Stimulating New Jersey’s Economy”, an interactive discussion with members of the Corzine administration, moderated by New Jersey Network’s Michael Aron. The candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor have also been invited to attend.

For registration and event details, please visit www.njseed.org.

HILLSIDE, N.J., Sept. 16, 2009 – The new trend in urban chic, which is being redefined at The Vistas at Great Falls in Paterson [www.vistasatgreatfalls.com] and The Monarch at Plainfield [www.monarchliving.net] in New Jersey, is to combine affordability and attractive views with strategic locations near commuter transportation. To offer prospective homeowners and those relocating from New York City an opportunity to experience this trend first-hand, The Vistas and The Monarch are hosting “Stars, Moon and Sun” balcony and terrace events, respectively, on Sat., Sept. 26 and Sun., Sept. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. each day.

“These simultaneous events will provide those seeking to buy a home an opportunity to truly experience what each dynamic community has to offer,” said Debbie Bertino, vice president of sales and marketing for P&F Management Company, LLC, the developer. “While The Vistas and The Monarch are centrally located within an urban setting and affordably priced, each offers a distinct, yet satisfying and exciting lifestyle. Visitors will be able to get a true sense of the communities, from the viewpoint of our private balconies at The Vistas and rooftop terrace at The Monarch.”

Located within the historic Great Falls district in Paterson, The Vistas recently launched Phase II, which involves a mix of 10 new spacious condominiums and townhomes. Each offers elegant, contemporary one- and two-story designs, featuring two bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half baths, with up to 1,269 square feet of living space. Private balconies boast sweeping views of the surrounding city, the Great Falls and the New York skyline. On-site amenities range from a private pool and club house to an exercise room.

Eligible homebuyers may qualify for the federal housing tax credit of up to $8,000, for homes closed before November 30, 2009, as well as low-interest mortgages and financing assistance being offered by New Jersey’s ‚ÄúLive Where You Work‚Äù program, and the Federal Housing Administration, respectively. In addition, the City of Paterson is offering grants valued up to $30,000 for those who qualify. The Vistas Information and Marketing Center is located at 1 Jasper St. in Paterson.

At The Monarch, visitors will savor the serenity of the condominium community’s rooftop terrace at 400 E. Front St. in Plainfield. The multi-story building features 63 upscale two-bedroom/two-bath units, all with private balconies overlooking the professionally landscaped rooftop terrace or tree-lined streetscape. In addition to the federal housing tax credit, prospective buyers may also qualify for FHA assistance at The Monarch.

The Vistas and The Monarch are within walking distance of major commuter transportation hubs, including bus and rail lines, as well as fine dining and retail shops. Both feature high-end finishes, gourmet kitchens and all-new construction that meets Energy Star requirements. Pricing is from the low- to mid-$200,000s for both The Monarch and The Vistas.

Complimentary refreshments will be served throughout each day. Mortgage professionals also will be available for free, no-obligation consultations to assist in determining eligibility for the various government-based incentives.

P&F Management, through its affiliates Maplewood Homebuilders and Dornoch Holdings, is a leading owner and builder committed to urban redevelopment in cities throughout New Jersey. Since 2007, the company has acquired more than 1,500 residential units, many of which have been completed and sold despite difficult economic conditions. To pre-register for the “Stars, Moon & Sun” event, call The Vistas at (888) 822-0040 or The Monarch at (908) 755-0055.

NEW YORK, N.Y., Sept. 16, 2009 – Encelium Technologies of Teaneck, N.J., a leading international manufacturer and supplier of addressable lighting controls for commercial buildings, has opened a Manhattan office with the addition of Megan Carroll, LC as director of sales. Carroll brings more than 20 years of lighting industry experience to this rapidly expanding firm, which has posted a 200 percent annual increase in the last two years. Encelium’s new office is centrally located at 137 East 25th Street in the penthouse suite.

“Our office is in close proximity to the design community, enabling us to enhance our client service and increase our visibility in New York City, one of the most influential markets in the world,” commented Carroll.

Encelium manufactures the Energy Control System™ (ECS), the most advanced lighting control solution for commercial buildings on the market. The system reduces lighting use and energy costs at a faster rate than other environmental measures and has a relatively short payback on investment of two to five years on average. Since the company’s founding in 2001, ECS has been installed in more than 17 million square feet of commercial space across North America and Europe.

“Now more than ever, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship are driving factors in decision-making for designers, property owners and end users,” added Carroll. “Working as an energy management solution for an entire building, Encelium’s innovative system works to accomplish those goals. It’s unlike any other product I have seen in today’s market.”

ECS utilizes six distinct energy management strategies. Those include daylight harvesting, which adjusts interior light levels according to available daylight; occupancy controls to turn lights on and off automatically; smart-time scheduling to adjust light where occupancy sensors are not appropriate; task tuning to set default light levels to suit a particular workspace; personal software-based controls for individual occupants to adjust their workspace lighting by need or preference; and variable load shedding, which limits power demand peaks to reduce overall utility costs. The system contributes up to 18 points toward LEED certification, an important designation for buildings that meet certain criteria for improved sustainability and environmental quality, and in as many as 4 of 6 LEED categories.

Carroll Has Held Leadership Positions Throughout Career
Prior to joining Encelium, Carroll was the Eastern regional sales manager of Lighting Science Group, where her responsibilities included hiring, training and managing all independent sales organizations. In addition, she supported the development of sales and marketing collateral and also conducted training on products, related technologies, and sales strategies. Previous positions include serving as the business development manager of Leucos USA; a specification marketing consultant and lighting application consultant for Philips Electronics; the national sales manager of Forecast/Lightolier; and the national specification sales manager for Illuminating Experiences.

“Megan has an outstanding track record of building solid client relationships and accomplishing goals, and also possesses an exceptional understanding of the lighting control industry,” said Tony Marano, president and CEO of Encelium. “She is the ideal person to lead our expansion in New York, and we are thrilled to have her onboard.”

Respected for her high-quality work, Carroll has received numerous honors throughout her career including the TED Best of the Best Integrated Promotional Campaign, the Lightfair Image Award, and the Philips Star Performer Award. She is an active member of numerous industry organizations and has held a number of leadership roles including serving as the IIDA chair of the IES Northeast Region, the co-chair of the IESNY Lumen Awards, and the co-chair of the IALD Lighting Industry Resource Council.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 14, 2009 – Partners For Women and Justice (Partners) of Montclair, N.J., recently honored Andrew J. Gustus, Esq., an Associate with the Basking Ridge, N.J.-based law firm Carroll McNulty & Kull LLC (CMK), with a Partner in Justice Award. Gustus leads CMK’s pro bono legal efforts with Partners, a non-profit organization assisting low-income and abused women in regard to domestic violence and other family law matters. He has also successfully represented a number of Partners’ clients in final restraining order hearings in Essex and Union Counties.

“Drew fully understands the seriousness of the situations that our clients are facing and is dedicated to keeping these women, as well as their children, safe,” remarked Jane M. Hanson, Esq., executive director and co-founder of Partners. “We rely heavily on volunteer attorneys such as Drew, who agree to be on call for final restraining order cases, and thank him for his commitment to our clients. He is well-deserving of this award.”

Founded in 2002, Partners promotes equal access to the judicial system for low-income and abused women by providing quality, pro bono legal advice and representation in court. The organization also offers guidance to develop financial competence and independence through financial skills workshops.

“Partners has helped more than 1,500 clients since the organization’s founding, often serving as the catalyst to turn the lives of these women around,” said Gustus, who acts as CMK’s liaison with the non-profit. “CMK is proud to be a part of Partners’ efforts to provide a vital service to women in our community, who could have easily gotten lost in the legal system.”

Christopher Carroll, Joseph McNulty and Gary Kull founded CMK in 1997, creating a culture based on superior client service, professional excellence and trust. This philosophy extends to the firm’s community outreach program. Additional CMK attorneys volunteering with Partners include Teresa Cinnamond, April Villaverde, Julie Zando-Dennis, Tayo Otunla, Eileen Garrity, and Erin Jones.
At CMK, Gustus concentrates his practice on insurance defense and insurance coverage. The firm provides legal counseling and representation to clients of all sizes nationwide, ranging from Fortune 100 companies, insurers, and construction companies to closely held corporations, family-owned businesses and individuals. Primary practice areas include insurance coverage; construction and surety; insurance defense; commercial disputes and business counseling; and employment as well as admiralty, maritime, transportation, and international trade.

EAST ORANGE, N.J., Sept. 14, 2009 – Gebroe-Hammer Associates, the region’s dominant real estate investment brokerage firm and leader in the Essex County, N.J. multi-family housing submarket, has closed two separate transactions, totaling in excess of $3 million, announced Ken Uranowitz, managing director. The properties involving 68 units and three retail shops included 376 and 424 Park Ave. and 75 and 81 N. Arlington Ave., in East Orange, N.J.

“The owners of these properties recognized the opportunity to market these complexes within a supply-constrained market where there is heavy demand for urban garden and walk-up apartment complexes. Now is an extremely advantageous time to sell multi-family properties, given the low interest rate environment which won’t last that much longer as a result of inflationary concerns in the near future. This certainly bodes well for potential buyers at this point in time,” said Uranowitz, who noted the firm represented the separate sellers and buyers, long-time Gebroe-Hammer clients, in each transaction.

According to Gebroe-Hammer, average occupancy rates for the area are 95 percent with rental rates ranging from $775 for one-bedroom and $950 for two-bedroom units. Gebroe-Hammer’s David Oropeza, executive vice president, and Steven Tenenbaum, assistant vice president, closed the North Arlington Avenue deal while Oropeza and David Jarvis, executive vice president, orchestrated the disposition of the Park Avenue buildings.

The well-maintained 376 and 424 Park Ave. property is comprised of 9 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom units as well as a three-bedroom unit and three ground-floor retail shops. Located within one of East Orange’s residential neighborhoods, just steps from the North Walnut Street bus stop, the buyer, a New York-based investment group, plans to upgrade the kitchens and bathrooms.

Just a few blocks southwest of Park Avenue is 75 and 81 N. Arlington Ave., located on the corner of William Street. The two-building, all-brick property features 35 one-bedroom units near town hall and a new performing arts school. The area’s highway infrastructure includes Interstate 280 and the Garden State Parkway. Mass transit options are plentiful throughout the city, with two private and multiple New Jersey Transit bus lines serving the area. Both of East Orange’s commuter rail stations along the Morris and Essex lines offer access to Hoboken Terminal and New York Penn Station.

“Since the closing, the buyer has already renovated a majority of the units and common areas, replaced all the windows, re-landscaped the exterior and performed major masonry work to the buildings,” commented Oropeza. “Because the rents are well below market, this massive renovation will enable the buyer to increase rents to market levels, thereby increasing value in a relatively short period of time.”

Gebroe-Hammer Associates specializes in the sale of multi-family, retail and commercial properties. In addition to its strong presence in New Jersey, Gebroe-Hammer is active throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, and New York. Clients include private owners, REITS, private equity firms and other institutional investors.

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Sept. 14, 2009 – Dynova Laboratories Inc., an emerging natural products company, has leased 4,300 square feet of headquarters space at The Point at Morristown, 36 Cattano Ave., announced Richard Baumstein of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. in East Rutherford. The newly built property is the first Certified Green Globes™ energy-efficient building in the State of New Jersey. Green Globes is run by the Green Building Initiative.
 
Baumstein served as tenant representative in the multi-year Dynova Laboratories lease. The company will relocate to its new, full-floor office this summer from Parsippany, N.J. 
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RIDGEWOOD, N.J., Sept. 14, 2009 – Ridgewood’s Project Pride, a volunteer town beautification committee, has awarded its Sunflower Award to the Ridgewood home of David and Linda Schmitt. The award recognizes the Schmitts’ property for its contribution to beautifying the town, in particular because of its flowers that enhance a stone wall along the home’s frontage. Linda Schmitt immediately called Borst Landscape and Design, the full-service landscaping firm in Allendale that manages all her landscaping, including the design and maintenance of her colorful garden beds, to express her delight.

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PATERSON, N.J., Sept. 9, 2009 – The recent Summer Celebration at The Vistas at Great Falls not only featured refreshments, entertainment and model tours to mark the launch of Phase II of the new condominium and townhome community, it also highlighted an emerging homebuying trend, according to Debbie Bertino, vice president of sales and marketing for P&F Management Company, LLC, the developer. As the economy shows signs of recovery, academics and young professionals, including first-time buyers, are now taking advantage of the wide range of opportunities and government-sponsored incentives available.
 
“I was looking for new construction, and The Vistas offered what I considered to be the most affordable option,” said Paul Aiello, currently a Wallington, N.J., resident who purchased a two-bedroom, two-bath, one-floor unit in Phase I after visiting the community during the event. “My family is deep-rooted in Paterson, and I have been around the city my whole life. The area is being revitalized, and getting in on the ground floor of something new is very exciting.”
 
The Vistas is located within Paterson’s Great Falls district, the birthplace of American industry and newly named a National Historic Park by the National Park Service. In addition to it rich history, the tree-lined neighborhood is one of the most picturesque in Paterson.
 
“This is my first purchase of a home, and I am excited to get the federal tax credit and local incentives,” said Aiello, who teaches biology at Belleville High School and is a professor at Montclair State University. “The Vistas is nicely situated, not far from either place. It is a wonderful location.”
 
Added Bertino, “The Vistas is favored by many urban professionals. The availability of new, affordable construction combined with federal, state and local incentives is very unusual in this market.”
 
First-time buyers like Aiello may benefit from the federal housing tax credit of up to $8,000 for a primary residence closed by December 1, 2009. Residents of Paterson or those relocating to the city, who also work within the municipality, may be eligible for low-interest mortgages and expedited loan processing under New Jersey’s “Live Where You Work” program. The City of Paterson is offering grants of $30,000 to qualified individuals for the purchase of residences valued at $250,000 as well.
 
The Vistas Phase II offers 10 spacious, elegant homes with one- and two-story floor plans featuring two bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half baths and up to 1,269 square feet. In addition to high-end finishes and gourmet kitchens, the homes offer spectacular balcony views of the surrounding city and the Manhattan skyline. Key commuter lines are within walking distance, and lifestyle amenities include an on-site exercise room, clubhouse and outdoor pool. Pricing starts at $250,000.
 
The Vistas at Great Falls is a development of P&F Management’s subsidiary Maplewood Homebuilders. P&F is a multi-faceted real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition, repositioning and redevelopment of underutilized real estate assets and portfolios. For more information, call (888) 822-0040, visit the web site www.vistasatgreatfalls.com, or stop by the Information and Marketing Center at 1 Jasper St. in Paterson.