ABOUT US
Engineering With Your Project’s Success in Mind
Founded in 2018, Independence Engineering provides client-focused land development consulting throughout every phase of a project. We deliver solutions built around three essential principles: approvability, constructability, and affordability.
Independence Engineering was founded on July 4, 2018, by Neil Sander, a professional engineer specializing in land development. Mr. Sander spread his twenty years of experience across multiple sectors of the development industry: commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, municipal, recreational, program management, and forensics.
As the firm’s reputation grew, Mr. Sander hired a team of professionals who shared his vision of a client-centric consultant that focused on implementing corporate design standards in a variety of regulatory environments.
Our Mission
To provide client-focused engineering solutions that guide projects successfully through every stage of development while prioritizing approvability, constructability, and affordability.
Our Vision
To be a trusted engineering partner recognized for technical excellence, responsive service, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ long-term success.
Our Values
We are guided by integrity, collaboration, innovation, technical excellence, and a strong commitment to delivering practical, constructible, and cost-effective solutions for every client.
Our Team
Meet the Experts Behind Independence Engineering

Neil E. Sander, PE
President
Office: New Jersey
Email: nsander@independence.engineering
Phone: (609) 496-9369
Mobile: (609) 947-9787
Curricula Vitae
Neil E. Sander, PE, has been working in the land development industry for over twenty-five years. A native of Maryland and a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, he has established a reputation as a creative problem solver and client-focused manager whose primary focus is a successful project opening. Prior to establishing Independence Engineering in 2018, he served in various professional roles from project management to municipal engineering to forensics. He has served as an officer in ASCE and is a recognized expert in legal environments across the country.
Partial Project List
- Windsor Commons, Red Lion, PA 2000
- Brickyard Industrial Park, Manchester, PA 2000
- Fox Run Preserve, Solebury, PA 2001
- Lamplighter Village, Warrington, PA 2001
- Skippack Lea, Skippack, PA 2001
- Sunoco, Reading, PA 2003
- Hess, Paramus, NJ 2003
- Hess, Middle Smithfield, PA 2004
- Huntingdon Place, Huntingdon Valley, PA 2006
- Greenville Overlook, Greenville, DE 2009
- Estates at Red Lion, Bear, DE 2009
- USPS Expansion, Kearny, NJ 2011
- Ira Toyota, Danvers, MA 2012
- Sterling McCall Toyota, Houston, TX 2013
- South Loop Hyundai, Houston, TX 2013
- Ira Toyota, Manchester, NH 2013
- Ira Collision Center, Danvers, MA 2014
- Group 1 Collision Center, Round Rock, TX 2014
- Alamo Volkswagen, San Antonio, TX 2015
- Ira Audi, Peabody, MA 2016
- BMW of Stratham, Stratham, NH 2016
- Ford of Escondido, Escondido, CA 2017
- Audi of Miami, North Miami, FL 2017
- Ira Toyota, Tewksbury, MA 2017
- Ira Subaru, Danvers, MA 2019
- Star Brothers, Bristol, PA 2021
- Paw Prints, Westover, WV 2021
- Sun Belt Rentals, El Paso, TX 2022
- Mill Creek Plaza, Mill Creek, WA 2022
- Wellstar, Hogansville, GA 2024
- Sun Belt Rentals, Jarrell, TX 2024
- Ardmor Village, Lakeville, MN 2024
- Sun Belt Rentals, Evansville, IN 2024
- Sun Belt Rentals, Warrick, IN 2024
- SRS Distribution, Byron, GA 2024
- Miami Job Corps Center, Miami Gardens, FL 2024
- SRS Distribution, Abilene, TX 2025
- Mercedes-Benz of Westwood, Westwood/Norwood, MA 2025
- BMW of Annapolis, Annapolis, MD 2025
- Charleston Veterinary Clinic, Charleston, SC 2025
Qualifications
- Professional Engineer: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI
- California QSD;
- Georgia Level II EPSC Certification;
- Minnesota Erosion and Stormwater Management Certification
- Management Model Certification (2007)
- Recognized expert witness:
- Carbon County, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas
- Gloucester County, New Jersey Superior Court
- Texas DOT Right-of-way Commission
- Public testimony in 90 jurisdictions
- Associations:
- ASCE Central Jersey Branch – Past President
- Downtown Bordentown Association – President
- Education:
- Johns Hopkins University, Bachelor of Science, 1997
- Johns Hopkins University, Master of Civil Engineering, 1998
- Publications:
- “Potential Effects of the Draft Effluent Limitation Guidelines on the Construction and Development Industry,” with Lehane, John F., PE; at the 2009 Villanova Urban Stormwater Management Conference, October 14, 2009
- “Old Errors, New Problems,” Spring 2011 edition of PSPE magazine.
- Interview, Reason Magazine, September 6, 2017, “The Media Keep Saying Houston’s Development Caused it to Flood: An Engineer Explains Why That’s Wrong.”

Jan Jochems
Land Development Department Manager
Office: Pennsylvania
Email: jjochems@independence.engineering
Phone: (215) 798-4450
Mobile: (267) 664-2528
Curricula Vitae
Jan has over 20 years of experience in the field of civil engineering design since arriving in the United States from the Netherlands in 2001. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Jan deploys his expertise in all aspects of land development, including site design, site grading, and stormwater management design to address clients’ industrial, commercial, and residential land development needs in the most cost effective manner.
Jan is proud of his Dutch heritage and uses his international knowledge to get the best out of our top-notch design team to better serve our clients. When not working for Independence Engineering, you can find Jan holding a euphonium or tuba while performing with local community bands, entertaining the citizens of the Philadelphia area. .
Partial Project List
- Moat dredging, Hulst, Netherlands 2000
- Townhome community, Colmar, PA 2003
- Greenville Overlook, Greenville, DE 2009
- Regency at Creekside Meadows, Bath, PA 2016
- Unionville Walk, Kennett Square, PA 2019
- Star Brothers, Bristol, PA 2021
- Paw Prints, Westover, WV 2021
- Sun Belt Rentals, El Paso, TX 2022
- Mill Creek Plaza, Mill Creek, WA 2022
- Wellstar, Hogansville, GA 2024
- Sun Belt Rentals, Jarrell, TX 2024
- Ardmor Village, Lakeville, MN 2024
- Sun Belt Rentals, Evansville, IN 2024
- Sun Belt Rentals, Warrick, IN 2024
- SRS Distribution, Byron, GA 2024
- SRS Distribution, Abilene, TX 2025
- Mercedes-Benz of Westwood, Westwood/Norwood, MA 2025
- BMW of Annapolis, Annapolis, MD 2025
- Charleston Veterinary Clinic, Charleston, SC 2025
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Avans University of Applied Sciences, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, 2001
- Copenhagen University College of Engineering, Ballerup, Denmark, 2000
- Associate in Civil Engineering, MTS Overmaas College, Roermond, Netherlands
- Delaware Urban Runoff Management Model Certification 2007 (could be 2006).

Emily E. Stewart, RLA
Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture
Office: Pennsylvania
Email: estewart@independence.engineering
Phone: (215) 798-4450
Mobile: (215) 275-6248
Curricula Vitae
Emily brings over 25 years of experience in site planning and design to Independence Engineering. She works closely with clients on a wide range of land use development projects from pre-acquisition due diligence through securing project entitlements. Her project experience ranges from small urban infill sites to large masterplan communities.
Emily enjoys the challenge of providing high-quality, cost-effective design solutions while maintaining a visually pleasing natural and built environment. She believes every successful project begins with a well thought out site plan. As both a planner and landscape architect, she contributes design solutions throughout the life of the project from early conceptual planning to detailed design of site features. .
Partial Project List
- Regency at Creekside Meadows, Bath, PA
- Doylestown Walk, Doylestown, PA
- Enclave at Ellis Preserve, Newtown Square, PA
- West Chester Crossing, West Chester, PA
- Overlook at Town Center, King of Prussia, PA
- Regency at Methuen, Methuen, MA
Qualifications
- Licensed Landscape Architect: CT, DE, ID, MA, NH, NJ, PA, SC
- Certified Professional Planner: AICP
- American Planning Association: Member
- American Society of Landscape Architects: Member
- Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1998

Shane Oates
New England Branch Manager
Curricula Vitae
Mr. Oates has over 30 years of diversified experience in civil engineering projects encompassing the fields of commercial, industrial and retail site design, including major redevelopment of existing facilities; residential site design, including subdivision and comprehensive permitting; construction engineering, including cost estimating/control, scheduling, site material testing, resident engineering and construction inspection; highway engineering, including mass transit systems and utility and stormwater management systems design, including septic, sewer and water, electric and telephone systems, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis.
Mr. Oates’ strong project management and organizational skills enable him to overcome the challenges associated with the design and permitting of commercial, industrial and residential development and redevelopment projects at the state and local level. Furthermore, his extensive experience with public hearings and the unique procedures of individual boards and commissions during such proceedings enables him to represent the interests and serve the diverse needs of each client in an effective and efficient manner.
Partial Project List
Qualifications

Gayla Davis
Permit Manager
Curricula Vitae
Ms. Davis started at Independence Engineering in 2024 after thirty years working in permitting and entitlements. Her expertise in home building, land acquisition, due diligence, and preconstruction management. Her strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and meticulous follow-up ensure delivery of a seamless and efficient permit for every project.
Partial Project List
Qualifications
Mario Mejias
Florida Branch Manager
Curricula Vitae
Partial Project List
- Village at Delray, Palm Beach County, FL, Client: Auburn Group 777 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach FL,
33483, Reference: Connie J. 561‐278‐3901; Project Duration: 2000 to 2001 ‐ Residential Land Development
project located in Delray Beach, involved the design of a potable water main system, sanitary sewer system,
storm drainage redesign. The project involved the re‐design of Auburn Avenue. (2009) Project Role: Project
manager. - Sorrento, Broward County, FL, Client: Triad Housing, 6535 Nova Drive, Suite 106
Davie, FL 33317, Reference: David Schultz, 954‐472‐3050; Project Duration: 2000 to 2003 ‐ Residential Land
Development project located in Hallandale, involved the design of a potable water main system, fire line,
sanitary sewer and storm drainage. Project Role: project manager. - Banyan Elementary, Broward County, FL, Client: Saltz Michelson Architects, 3501 Griffin Road, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, 33312, Reference: Mark A. Saltz, 954‐266‐2700; Project Duration: 2000 to 2002 ‐ The project
located in the City of Sunrise, involved the construction and design of several Modular Buildings. The existing
utilities had to be removed/relocated in order to accommodate the new building design. Potable water,
sanitary sewer and a fire line had to be provided. Project Role: project manager. - Hawkess Bluff Elementary, Broward County, FL, Client: Saltz Michelson Architects, 3501 Griffin Road, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, 33312, Reference: Mark A. Saltz, 954‐266‐2700; Project Duration: 2003 to 2006 ‐ The project
located in The City of Sunrise, involved the construction of 5 modular buildings. Potable water, sanitary sewer
and storm drainage was provided. Project Role: project manager. - Garfield Garage, Broward County, FL, Client: Saltz Michelson Architects, 3501 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale,
FL, 33312, Reference: Mark A. Saltz, 954‐266‐2700; Project Duration: 2003 to 2005 ‐ The project located in The
City of Hollywood, involved the design and construction of a 5 story garage and rec. building. Potable water,
sanitary sewer and a storm drainage well as well as fire system was provided. Project Role: Project manager. - DUO Condominiums, Broward County, FL, Client: Triad Housing 6535 Nova Drive, Suite 106
Davie, FL 33317, Reference: Randall Baukney 954‐472‐3050; Project Duration: 2000 to 2004 ‐ The project
located in Hallandale Beach, involved the construction of (2) high rise towers in the city of Hallandale. Potable
water, fire, sanitary sewer and 2 storm wells had to be designed, constructed and put into service. A right turn
lane had to be constructed along East Hallandale Beach Blvd. Project Role: Project manager. - City of Cooper City Parks, Broward County, FL, Client: City of Cooper City 11791 SW 49th St, Cooper City, FL
33330, Jim Molaschi 954‐434‐5519; Project Duration: 2004 to 2005 ‐ The project located in Cooper City,
involved the construction and design of several basketball courts while providing potable water and storm
drainage design. Project Role: Project manager. - Davie Estates, Broward County, FL, Client: Goldenholz and Associates, 3122 NW 88th Avenue, Sunrise FL
33351; Reference: Hector Torres 954‐742‐0797; Project Duration: 2002 to 2004 ‐ The project located in The
Town of Davie, involved the construction of 15 multi‐family buildings. Potable water, sanitary sewer (replacing
of an existing pump station) and storm drainage design had to be provided. Project Role: Project manager. - Hillel Community Day School, Broward County, FL, Client: Goldenholz and Associates, 3122 NW 88th Avenue,
Sunrise FL 33351; Reference: Hector Torres 954‐742‐0797; Project Duration: 2005 to 2007 ‐ The project
located in Hallandale Beach, involved the construction of 3 new building, along with a playground area. The
existing utilities had to be re‐designed to accommodate the new improvements. Potable water, fire, sanitary
sewer and storm drainage improvements were provided. Project Role: project manager - 46th Avenue Park, Broward County, FL, Client: Saltz Michelson Architects, 3501 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale,
FL, 33312, Reference: Mark A. Saltz, 954‐266‐2700; Project Duration: 2008 to 2009 ‐ The project located in The
City of Oakland Park, involved the reconfiguration of the public park, providing several gazebos, parking and new
club house. (2000) Project Role: Project manager. - Portofino at Palm Springs, Palm Beach County, FL, Client: The Cornerstone Group, 2121 Ponce De Leon Blvd.,
Coral Gables, FL 33134, Reference: Lenny Wolfe, 800‐809‐4099; Project Duration: 2000 to 2003 ‐ Residential
Land Development project located in The Village of Palm Springs, involved the design of a potable water main
system, sanitary sewer system, storm drainage and a right‐turn lane. (2000) Project Role: Project manager. - Sunset Bay Apartments, Miami‐Dade County, FL, Client: The Cornerstone Group, 2121 Ponce De Leon Blvd.,
Coral Gables, FL 33134, Reference: Lenny Wolfe, 800‐809‐4099; Project Duration: 1999 to 2002 ‐ Residential
Land Development project located in Miami Dade County which involved the design of a potable water main
system, sanitary sewer system, including a pump station and storm drainage. (1999) Project Role: Project
manager. - NE 56th Street Improvements, Broward County, FL, Client: Saltz Michelson Architects, 3501 Griffin Road, Fort
Lauderdale, FL, 33312, Reference: Mark A. Saltz, 954‐266‐2700; Project Duration: 2007 to 2008 ‐ The project
located in Pompano Beach involved the design and construction of a new right‐turn lane, while providing storm
water management design. (1999) Project Role: Project manager.
Qualifications
OUR FOUNDATION
Our Core Principles
Approvability
Engineering solutions designed to satisfy regulatory requirements and streamline approvals.
Constructability
Designs that prioritize efficient construction, reduced risk, and real-world execution.
Affordability
Delivering value-driven engineering solutions that maximize performance while controlling project costs.
OUR JOURNEY
Engineering That Builds Confidence.
Independence Engineering was born from the idea that a business-to-business consulting service should focus on its clients’ needs through the full life cycle of a project. Every phase of the project should consider the three pillars of development design:
- Approvability
- Constructability
- Affordability
Your goal is to open your doors to customers. Your engineer’s goal should be the same. .
Ready to Start Your Next Project?
Let’s build something great together!
Ready to Build Something Exceptional?
Partner with our team to bring your vision to life through thoughtful planning and practical engineering solutions.
