“Whatever it takes, it’s extremely important to keep up with demand,” he added, “because no matter how you look at it, if you don’t build enough housing, it’s just going to get more and more expensive.”

It’s a core belief for LoPiccolo — both as a developer and as board president of the Jersey City Apartment Owners Association — one that’s now central to their outreach to the city’s new mayor, James Solomon. The group has also been vocal in pitching itself as a resource, he said, noting that it can offer professional support and ground-level insights on everything from rental rates in individual neighborhoods to traffic and public safety.

Mayor James Solomon spoke with JCAOA Meet and Greet attendees about shared priorities for the city’s future — including strengthening local housing policy, supporting growth, and fostering productive partnerships between city government and housing providers.

Making sure all residents benefit from development remains a significant concern — in Jersey City and anywhere else that ground is broken.

Ben LoPiccolo knows the issue inside and out. He is the founder of the Ben LoPiccolo Development Group – or BLDG-UP – a real estate investment advisory and consulting firm based in Jersey City. And he is president of the Jersey City Apartment Owners Association, an advocacy group.

Now, Flores and other Jersey City residents are raising the issue of application fees with their municipal leaders and starting to get some traction, as candidates in the city’s hotly contested mayoral race express an interest in changing the process.