Anne S. Babineau

Land Use and Zoning Law

4.4 (8 reviews)

Woodbridge, New Jersey

48+ years experience

Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer PA

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

855 945 3689

https://www.wilentz.com/business/redevelopment/overview

90 Woodbridge Center Drive, Suite 900, Woodbridge, NJ 07095-0958

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Bio

Area of Emphasis:Redevelopment:Redevelopment plans, zoning ordinances and designation of renewal areas;Property acquisition including development of appraisals in anticipation of condemnation, negotiation of acquisitions, and condemnation;Contracts between public entity responsible for implementation of redevelopment and private redevelopers (including responses to requests for proposal);Loan and grant applications and agreements in connection with governmental assistance for redevelopment projects;Bankruptcy proceedings affecting redevelopment project participants;Litigation and appeals involving all of the above in federal and state courts.Representative Speaking and Writing Experience:Ms. Babineau has lectured on redevelopment issues for the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Rutgers/Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey Bar Association, American Planning Association, and New Jersey Builder’s Association, among others. She has been admitted to membership in The Counselors of Real Estate, Chambers USA, and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. In addition, she has served as an officer or member of several industry organizations, including New Jersey Future, NAIOP, and Urban Land Institute. She has also authored articles for New Jersey Law, Urban Land, New Jersey Lawyer, and other publications and is a contributing author for Commercial Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey (Redevelopment chapter). She has been selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers® magazine, 2005-2018, and listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in their 1999/2000, 2005-2024 editions.Utility, Telecommunications, and Energy Law:Represented Public Service Electric and Gas Company and Verizon New Jersey Inc.Merger Approvals - applications before the Board of Public Utilities on behalf of Verizon New Jersey, Elizabethtown Water Company, Thames Water Holdings Incorporated, RWE, and New Jersey Natural Gas Company.Served as vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey, 1996-1997 (Legal department function was outsourced to Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.) Area of Emphasis:Redevelopment:Redevelopment plans, zoning ordinances and designation of renewal areas;Property acquisition including development of appraisals in anticipation of condemnation, negotiation of acquisitions, and condemnation;Contracts between public entity responsible for implementation of redevelopment and private redevelopers (including responses to requests for proposal);Loan and grant applications and agreements in connection with governmental assistance for redevelopment projects;Bankruptcy proceedings affecting redevelopment project participants;Litigation and appeals involving all of the above in federal and state courts.Representative Speaking and Writing Experience:Ms. Babineau has lectured on redevelopment issues for the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Rutgers/Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey Bar Association, American Planning Association, and New Jersey Builder’s Association, among others. She has been admitted to membership in The Counselors of Real Estate, Chambers USA, and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. In addition, she has served as an officer or member of several industry organizations, including New Jersey Future, NAIOP, and Urban Land Institute. She has also authored articles for New Jersey Law, Urban Land, New Jersey Lawyer, and other publications and is a contributing author for Commercial Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey (Redevelopment chapter). She has been selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers® magazine, 2005-2018, and listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in their 1999/2000, 2005-2024 editions.Utility, Telecommunications, and Energy Law:Represented Public Service Electric and Gas Company and Verizon New Jersey Inc.Merger Approvals - applications before the Board of Public Utilities on behalf of Verizon New Jersey, Elizabethtown Water Company, Thames Water Holdings Incorporated, RWE, and New Jersey Natural Gas Company.Served as vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey, 1996-1997 (Legal department function was outsourced to Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.) Area of Emphasis:Redevelopment: Representative Speaking and Writing Experience: Ms. Babineau has lectured on redevelopment issues for the New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Rutgers/Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey Bar Association, American Planning Association, and New Jersey Builder’s Association, among others. She has been admitted to membership in The Counselors of Real Estate, Chambers USA, and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. In addition, she has served as an officer or member of several industry organizations, including New Jersey Future, NAIOP, and Urban Land Institute. She has also authored articles for New Jersey Law, Urban Land, New Jersey Lawyer, and other publications and is a contributing author for Commercial Real Estate Transactions in New Jersey (Redevelopment chapter). She has been selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers® magazine, 2005-2018, and listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in their 1999/2000, 2005-2024 editions. Utility, Telecommunications, and Energy Law:

Practice Areas

Land Use and Zoning Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Land Use and Zoning Law, Woodbridge (2025)
Lawyer of the Year: Real Estate Law, Woodbridge (2020)
Lawyer of the Year: Real Estate Law, Woodbridge (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, Woodbridge (2017)
Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law
Recognized: Real Estate Law
Practice Area: Administrative / Regulatory Law
Special Focus: Administrative
Special Focus: Development
Special Focus: Finance
Special Focus: Land Use and Zoning
Special Focus: Public Utility

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2005

Education

Seton Hall University, J.D., graduated 1977

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Reviews

Eric Cooper

3 weeks ago

Expert Guidance in Complex Zoning Matters

Anne Babineau's expertise in land use and zoning law was invaluable during our redevelopment project. With 48 years of experience, she navigated complex ordinances with precision, securing approvals that other firms couldn't. Her recognition as Lawyer of the Year in real estate law speaks volumes—she truly understands the intricacies of property acquisition and redevelopment. Anne's professionalism and deep knowledge of municipal processes made all the difference. From negotiations to final approvals, her guidance ensured a smooth, successful outcome. Highly recommend for any land use or zoning challenge.

Patricia Johnson

3 weeks ago

Expertise and Dedication Beyond Expectations

Anne S. Babineau is a beacon of professionalism and expertise in the legal field. As a client navigating complex municipal zoning and redevelopment issues, her guidance was indispensable. Her deep understanding of land use law, honed over nearly five decades, ensured our project moved seamlessly through the approval process. The recognition she's received as 'Lawyer of the Year' in both Real Estate and Land Use Law is well-deserved. Anne's ability to balance meticulous legal strategy with pragmatic advice made all the difference in securing our development rights. Her team at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer provided thorough support, always keeping us informed and prepared. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Raymond Torres

3 weeks ago

Skilled in Complex Real Estate Matters

Anne Babineau was an exceptional advocate in my redevelopment project, leveraging her 48 years of expertise to navigate complex zoning laws and land use challenges. Her deep understanding of property acquisition and redevelopment plans was evident from the first consultation. While her legal insights were invaluable—especially in securing a favorable outcome in a contested area designation—her billing structure could be more transparent. That said, her reputation as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in real estate and land use is well-earned. The only minor drawback was her response time to emails, which occasionally delayed coordination. Overall, her professionalism and results make her a top choice for high-stakes real estate transactions.

Brandon Jackson

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but slow responsiveness

I worked with Anne S. Babineau on a complex redevelopment project involving zoning changes and property acquisition. Her expertise in land use law was evident - particularly in navigating the intricacies of redevelopment plans and zoning ordinances. The team at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer clearly has deep experience in this area, which was invaluable. However, I found the communication somewhat inconsistent, with longer-than-expected response times to key questions. While the legal work was thorough and her advice was sound, I expected more timely engagement given the urgency of our project deadlines. The final outcome was positive, but the process could have been more efficient. For those needing top-tier expertise in property acquisition or redevelopment, she's certainly qualified, but be prepared for a more deliberate pace in communication.

Patricia Roberts

3 weeks ago

Highly Skilled in Land Use and Redevelopment

Anne Babineau is an exceptional attorney with decades of experience in land use and redevelopment. Her expertise in navigating complex zoning ordinances and redevelopment plans was invaluable when I needed assistance with a property acquisition involving potential condemnation. Anne’s deep knowledge of appraisal strategies and her ability to negotiate effectively made the process much smoother than I anticipated. While her billable rate is on the higher side, the results she delivered justified the cost. The only minor drawback was occasional delays in responding to emails, but given her extensive caseload, it’s understandable. Her recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in Land Use and Zoning Law speaks volumes about her competence. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone dealing with redevelopment or real estate matters.

Stephanie Cook

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Real Estate and Redevelopment

Anne Babineau is an outstanding attorney with decades of experience in real estate and redevelopment. She successfully navigated a complex zoning ordinance for our mixed-use project, leveraging her deep knowledge of municipal processes. Her awards in land use and real estate law are well-deserved, and her expertise is evident in every interaction. While her response time could occasionally be quicker, her strategic counsel and attention to detail make her an invaluable partner. Highly recommend for any property acquisition or redevelopment needs.

Nicholas Mitchell

3 weeks ago

Expert Guidance for Complex Real Estate and Redevelopment Matters

Anne S. Babineau was an outstanding attorney to work with during our complex redevelopment project in Woodbridge. With her 48 years of experience in land use and zoning law, she provided invaluable guidance every step of the way. Her expertise in navigating redevelopment plans, zoning ordinances, and property acquisition was evident from our first meeting. Anne’s thorough understanding of the legal nuances in our case ensured a smooth process, and her proactive approach helped us secure the necessary approvals efficiently. Her recognition as Lawyer of the Year in both land use and real estate law speaks volumes about her expertise, and we truly appreciated her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. Highly recommend Anne for any real estate or redevelopment legal needs.

Jason Ortiz

3 weeks ago

Brilliant Redevelopment & Zoning Attorney

I cannot recommend Anne Babineau highly enough. Her expertise in redevelopment and zoning law was instrumental in guiding us through a complex property acquisition for our mixed-use development project. From negotiating with the municipality to navigating intricate zoning ordinances, Anne's depth of knowledge—reflected in her prestigious 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions—proved invaluable. She meticulously reviewed our redevelopment plans, ensuring alignment with local regulations while advocating fiercely for our interests. Anne's 48 years of experience and her reputation for land use excellence were evident in every interaction. Her calm, strategic approach turned what could have been a contentious process into a smooth, successful outcome. Anne's dedication to her clients and her unwavering professionalism make her a standout in Woodbridge. If you need a real estate or redevelopment attorney, she is the best choice.