Spotlight On: William O’Dea, Executive Director, Elizabeth Development Company
September 2025 — William O’Dea, deputy director of Elizabeth Development Company, sat down with Invest: to discuss how the current economic climate is impacting the city of Elizabeth, recent developments in the New Jersey Transit Rail Station, and how the city is utilizing various workforce development programs to address the needs of local businesses.
How would you describe the current economic climate in Elizabeth, and what sectors are showing the most promise for growth?
Warehouse logistics continues to be strong. We are working with Elberon on leasing some of their space, and we have a few prospective tenants. Right now, we are finalizing a deal with an entity that develops perfumes and fragrances, and they plan on utilizing the space with their research and development team. Retail continues to remain strong, especially at our mall in Jersey Gardens. This mall has been a huge tourist destination for those flying in and out of Newark Liberty Airport. The office market continues to lack, while residential development remains strong. This is especially true in areas of Elizabeth that are close to the New Jersey Transit Rail Stations.
How will the requirement of 20% affordable housing for all tax break projects under the PILOT agreements for developers in Union County benefit Elizabeth?
The 20% affordable requirement ties directly into those projects that receive Aspire funding through the state of New Jersey through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. There is a need to create affordable housing. Having those units developed helps to address that need. Allowing individuals who are market tenants to live with tenants who are lower income benefits all parties. This is especially true for the children of those tenants. Having children of all different ethnic backgrounds and income variations is beneficial because it allows them to develop together and learn from one another.
Apart from housing, what other major development and infrastructure investments are taking place in Elizabeth, and what economic benefits does it promise for the city?
The biggest development we have been working on recently has been the new Midtown New Jersey Transit Rail Station. $70 million in improvements and upgrades was invested. This has drawn new interest in the development of new residential sites. There are plans to develop a hotel within one block of the Elizabeth Midtown Train Station. There are also plans to convert a large office building into retail space, with approximately 100 residential units included above these new stores. The Midtown Train Station investment has had a large positive impact on the surrounding community because we have been able to rehabilitate and further develop much of the surrounding area. We have also begun redoing the above-ground rail system at North Liberty Airport. This is a multi-billion-dollar investment and will have a large economic impact on our local economy.
What initiatives has EDC undertaken to address workforce development, and how are these programs aligning with the needs of local industries?
We administer several workforce development programs. PABUILD partners with Port Authority to help individuals acquire certificates, as well as other construction-related certifications. We run a program under the DOL to partner with other trades, such as the Plumbers Union, to help place 15 individuals in apprenticeships over two years. Newark Liberty Airport needs many individuals with SORA (Security Officer Registration Act) licenses, and we have a program to address this shortage. The warehouse logistics facilities and Elizabeth Port have created a large need for individuals with CDL licenses, and we have a program to assist with that as well. We also have a program related to hospitality. The FIFA World Cup has created a larger need for restaurants and hotels, and we work with restaurants to help them get the certifications that they need.
What is your outlook for Elizabeth’s economic development? What will be your top goals and priorities moving forward in the next five years?
The economy of Elizabeth has always remained strong and stable. The city of Elizabeth has never experienced a period of significant population loss, and our population continues to grow at a steady pace. The more people in your city, the more money there is available to be spent in the business community. I believe that we will continue to see residential growth close to the existing rail stations. We are looking to make significant investments over the next five years in the Urban Enterprise Zone, in sidewalks, Midtown markets, concerts, and other events that will help to draw more people to the area. Keeping the existing business districts, hotels, and restaurants strong and prospering is at the forefront of our mission moving forward.
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