Town CrierWest Orange, New Jersey
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Supporting Documentation · Nov 10, 2024

West Orange Township_Fourth Round HEFSP_Final Draft

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and covenants set forth in this Agreement shall be covenants running with the land and that they shall, in any event, and without regard to technical classification or designation, legal or otherwise, and except only as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, be binding, to the fullest extent permitted by law and equity, for the benefit and in favor of, and enforceable by, the Township, their successors and assigns, against the Redeveloper, its successors and assigns and every successor in interest therein, and any party in possession or occupancy of the Project or any part thereof. The covenants shall cease and terminate when a Certificate of Completion for such improvements has been issued, provided however, that the covenants in Sections 7.1(a), (b), and (m) shall remain in effect without limitation as to time. ARTICLE VIII PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER 8.1 Prohibition Against Transfers of Interests in Redeveloper. Redeveloper recognizes the importance of the Redevelopment Project to the general welfare of the community and that the identity of the Redeveloper and its qualifications are critical to the Township in entering into this Agreement, particularly in view of the public aids that have been or will be made available for the purpose of making such redevelopment possible. The Township considers that a Transfer of the ownership in Redeveloper or of a substantial part thereof, or any other act or transaction involving or resulting in a significant change in the ownership of or with respect to the identity of the parties in control of Redeveloper or the degree thereof, is for practical purposes a Transfer or disposition of the Project. Redeveloper recognizes that it is because of such qualifications and identity that the Township is entering into this Agreement with Redeveloper, and, in so doing, the Township is relying on the obligations of Redeveloper and not some other person or entity for the faithful performance of all undertakings and covenants to be performed by Redeveloper hereunder. As a result, prior to completion of the Project (or applicable Phase thereof) as evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Completion, and without the prior written approval of the Township (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) Redeveloper agrees for itself and all successors in interest that there shall be no (i) Transfer

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without the prior written approval of the Township (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) Redeveloper agrees for itself and all successors in interest that there shall be no (i) Transfer of the Property, nor (ii) any direct or indirect change in control of Redeveloper as it exists on the Effective Date, whether by changes in capitalization, merger, or otherwise. The Township recognizes that implementation of the Project is likely to involve one or more joint venture arrangements between Redeveloper and other developers having particular development expertise and financial capabilities. The Township agrees to consider such joint venture arrangements in good faith, and will not unreasonably withhold its consent to any such arrangement provided (i) that such joint venture entity assumes all of the obligations of Redeveloper under the terms of this Agreement and under all applicable Governmental Approvals as to the applicable Phase of the Project, provided that Redeveloper shall not be released from and shall remain liable for the performance of Redeveloper’s and the joint venture’s obligations; (ii) that the creation and existence of the joint venture does not materially and negatively affect the Township’s ability to enforce its rights under this Agreement; and (iii) that the proposed joint venture partner and structure is acceptable to the Township, in its reasonable discretion. The Transfer or Transfers of a noncontrolling interest or interests in the Redeveloper that do not result in a change in control of Redeveloper as set forth in the Operating Agreement shall not constitute a prohibited Transfer. 30 4839-2360-2911, v. 3

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The death or incapacity of a principal of the Redeveloper shall not constitute a prohibited Transfer hereunder. With respect to this provision, Redeveloper and the party or parties signing the Redevelopment Agreement on behalf of Redeveloper represent that each has authority to agree to this provision on behalf of the current members of Redeveloper and to bind them with respect thereto. 8.2 Exemption from Prohibited Transfers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and with prior knowledge of the Township by written notice from Redeveloper, the following shall not constitute a prohibited Transfer, for purposes of Section 8.1: transfer to an entity or entities controlled by Redeveloper, or other urban renewal entity or entities formed by Redeveloper pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:20-4; provided, however, that such successor and assignee of Redeveloper shall assume all of the obligations of Redeveloper hereunder, but Redeveloper shall remain primarily liable for the performance of Redeveloper’s obligations; and provided further, that (i) a copy of the fully executed written instrument of conveyance and assignment and assumption of this Redevelopment Agreement shall be promptly delivered to the Township; and (ii) such conveyance or assignment does not violate any of the Governmental Approvals. 8.3 Prohibition of Transfer of Redevelopment Agreement. Redeveloper further agrees for itself, its successors and assigns, that prior to the Completion of the Project, as evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Completion, Redeveloper will not make or create, or suffer to be made or created, any assignment or other Transfer of its interests in this Agreement, without the prior written approval of the Township, except as provided in Section 8.1 above, Section 8.2 above or Section 8.4 below (including a Transfer as a result of a foreclosure or a deed in lieu given to a lender). 8.4 Consent to Permitted Transfers. The Township hereby consents, without the necessity of further approvals from any entity, to the following Transfers: (a) a Mortgage or related security granted by Redeveloper to a Mortgagee for the purpose of obtaining the financing necessary to enable Redeveloper to perform its obligations under this Redevelopment Agreement, including any Mortgage or Mortgages and other liens and encumbrances granted by Redeveloper to a Mortgagee for the purpose of financing

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r to perform its obligations under this Redevelopment Agreement, including any Mortgage or Mortgages and other liens and encumbrances granted by Redeveloper to a Mortgagee for the purpose of financing costs associated with the acquisition, development, construction, or marketing of the Project; provided, however, that Redeveloper shall give the Township at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice of such Permitted Transfer, including a description of the nature of such Transfer, and the name(s) and address(es) of the transferee and any parties, individuals or entities involved in such Permitted Transfer; and provided further, that Redeveloper shall simultaneously provide to the Township true and complete copies of all Project Schedules and project budgets submitted to such Mortgagee; or (b) Transfers of easements or dedications of property as may be required as conditions of Governmental Approvals. (c) Inter-family transfers of interests in the Redeveloper for estate planning purposes. 31 4839-2360-2911, v. 3

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(d) The Township recognizes and acknowledges that financing of the Project is likely to include one or more of equity participations, “mezzanine” debt, and other financing arrangements in addition to a Mortgage. Such financing arrangements shall be reviewed and approved by the Mayor in good faith and he will not unreasonably withhold or delay his consent to such arrangements if they do not result in a change in control of Redeveloper or materially and negatively affect the Township’s ability to enforce its rights under this Agreement. 8.5 Prohibition Against Speculative Investment. Because of the importance of the Project to the general welfare of the community, Redeveloper represents and agrees that its acquisitions of the Property and Redeveloper’s undertakings pursuant to this Redevelopment Agreement are, and will be used, for the purpose of the Redevelopment Project and redevelopment of the Redevelopment Area as provided herein, and not for speculation in land holding. 8.6 Information as to Ownership of Redeveloper. In order to assist in the effectuation of the purpose of this Article 8, Redeveloper represents that the certificate attached to this Agreement as Exhibit E is an incumbency certificate of Redeveloper as of the Effective Date, subscribed and sworn to by a manager or authorized member of Redeveloper, setting forth the name(s) and address(es) of all entities owning at least a 10% interest in Redeveloper, and, as to each such entity, all entities owning at least a 10% interest therein, such disclosure being intended to be the same disclosure that Redeveloper will be required to make in connection with its Governmental Applications for land use approvals pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-48.2. (a) At such times as reasonably requested by the Township, Redeveloper will update the incumbency certificate and keep Exhibit E current as to Redeveloper as well as to each permitted urban renewal entity or joint venture. (b) Redeveloper will immediately notify the Township in writing of any and all changes whatsoever in the ownership of Redeveloper and any permitted urban renewal entity or joint venture, legal or beneficial, or of any other act or transaction involving or resulting in any change in such ownership or in the relative distribution thereof, or with respect to the identity of the parties in control of Redeveloper or the degree thereof, of which it

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olving or resulting in any change in such ownership or in the relative distribution thereof, or with respect to the identity of the parties in control of Redeveloper or the degree thereof, of which it or any of its officers or members have been notified or otherwise have knowledge or information. (c) Redeveloper shall, at such time or times as the Township may request, furnish the Township with a complete statement subscribed and sworn to by managing member of Redeveloper, setting forth all of managing members, or other owners of equity interests of Redeveloper, and of any permitted urban renewal entity or joint venture, and the extent of their respective holdings, and in the event any other parties have a beneficial interest in Redeveloper’s entity, their names and the extent of such interest. 8.7 Transfer or Assignment Fee. Any reasonable costs incurred by the Township in connection with a request made by the Redeveloper for the Township’s consent to transfer or assign this Redevelopment Agreement shall constitute a Township Cost for purposes of this Agreement. 32 4839-2360-2911, v. 3

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ARTICLE IX MORTGAGE FINANCING 9. 1 Mortgages, Liens, or other Encumbrances. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Completion Redeveloper shall promptly notify the Township of any encumbrance or lien that has been created on or attached to the Project, by mortgage or involuntary act of the Redeveloper or others, upon obtaining knowledge or notice of same. 9.2 Obligations of Mortgagee. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Redevelopment Agreement, including but not limited to those which are or are intended to be covenants running with the land, the holder of any mortgage authorized by this Redevelopment Agreement (including but not limited to any such holder who obtains title to one or more Property, or to any part thereof as a result of foreclosure proceedings, or action in lieu thereof, but not including (a) any other party who thereafter obtains title from or through any such holder or (b) any other purchaser at foreclosure sale, other than the holder of the mortgage itself) shall in no way be obligated by the provisions of this Redevelopment Agreement to construct or complete the Project or to guarantee such construction or completion; provided that nothing in this Article or any other Article or provision of this Redevelopment Agreement shall be deemed or construed to permit or authorize any such holder to devote the Property or any part thereof to any uses, or to construct any project thereon, other than those uses provided or permitted under this Agreement, the Redevelopment Plan, Governmental Approvals and Applicable Laws. 9.3 Notice of Default to Mortgagee and Right to Cure. Subject to N.J.S.A. 55:17-1 et seq., whenever the Township shall deliver any notice or demand to the Redeveloper with respect to any breach or default by the Redeveloper under this Redevelopment Agreement, the Township shall at the same time deliver to each lender (or equity participant in Redeveloper) a copy of such notice or demand, provided that the Redeveloper has delivered to the Township a written notice of the name and address of such lender and equity participant. Each such lender shall (insofar as the rights of the Township are concerned) have the right at its option within ninety (90) days after the receipt of such notice, to cure or remedy, or to commence to cure or remedy, any such default with respect to that portion of the Project which is being financed

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tion within ninety (90) days after the receipt of such notice, to cure or remedy, or to commence to cure or remedy, any such default with respect to that portion of the Project which is being financed by such lender and which is subject to being cured and to add the cost thereof to the debt and the lien which it holds, or to the obligations of the lessees under any lease-back or of the guarantor under any other conveyance for financing. 9.4 Estoppel Certificate; Mortgagee Request for Modifications. (a) Within thirty (30) days following written request by the Redeveloper, or of any Mortgagee, lender, purchaser, tenant or other party having an interest in the Project, the Township shall issue a signed estoppel certificate stating (i) that this Agreement is unmodified and in full force and effect as to the Project (excepting only modifications which shall be set forth), (ii) whether to the best knowledge of the Township Redeveloper is in default under this Agreement, and, if so, specifying each such default of which the Township shall have knowledge; and (iii) confirming such other factual matters within the Township’s knowledge or control pertinent to this Agreement, as the same relate to, or might affect, the Project or the Property. In the event the estoppel certificate discloses such a default, breach or event, it shall also state the manner in which such default, breach or event may be cured. No more than a reasonable number of 33 4839-2360-2911, v. 3

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estoppel certificates may be requested per year. (b) In the event that a permitted Mortgagee reasonably requests changes to this Agreement in order to make the same acceptable to the Mortgagee, the Township agrees to consider such changes in good faith and to consent to such changes if they do not materially and adversely affect the Township’s rights nor increase the Township’s obligations, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. ARTICLE X EVENTS OF DEFAULT; TERMINATION 10.1 Default Related to Conveyance of the Public Dog Park or Lot 41.02. (a) If title to the Public Dog Park or Lot 41.02 does not close because of the Township's Default, then the Redeveloper shall be entitled to pursue all other remedies at law or equity available to it by reason of the Township's default (including but not limited to specific performance and recovery of costs); provided, however, that failure of the Governing Body to authorize or approve the transaction shall not constitute a Default by the Township, but only a failure of the condition precedent to the conveyance; and provided further, that under no circumstances shall the Township be liable for consequential, indirect or special damages of any kind. However, regardless of whether the failure to close title to the Public Dog Park or Lot 41.02 is the result of a Township Default or the Governing Body failing to authorize or approve the transaction, the Redeveloper shall be permitted to proceed with the residential apartment building construction and provide the required Affordable Units or terminate this Agreement. (b) If title to the Public Dog Park or Lot 41.02 does not close because of the Redeveloper’s Default, the Township shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as limiting the ability of the Township to be reimbursed from the Escrow Account for Township Costs incurred through the date of termination. 10.2 Events of Default by Redeveloper. Any one or more of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” hereunder, subject to Force Majeure Extension and tolling as provided elsewhere in this Agreement: (a) Failure of Redeveloper to observe or perform any covenant, condition, representation, warranty or agreement hereunder and any other failure, act or omission by Redeveloper designated elsewhere in this Agreement as a “Default” or

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serve or perform any covenant, condition, representation, warranty or agreement hereunder and any other failure, act or omission by Redeveloper designated elsewhere in this Agreement as a “Default” or a “default”, and except as otherwise specified below the continuance of such Default for a period of thirty (30) days after Notice from the Township specifying the nature of such Default and requesting that such Default be remedied; provided, however, if the Default is one that cannot be completely remedied within thirty (30) days after such Notice, it shall not be an Event of Default as long as Redeveloper is proceeding in good faith and with due diligence to remedy the same as soon as practicable, but in no event later than ninety (90) days after such Notice unless this Agreement specifically provides otherwise. (b) Redeveloper’s failure or refusal to make any payment or deposit of funds required 34 4839-2360-2911, v. 3

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