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Housing Advocates Applaud as Land Bank Legislation Advances 10/18/2018 The New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee today advanced legislation that would allow municipalities to create land banks, a key tool used in many other states to address vacant, abandoned and nuisance properties. The bill had been vetoed twice by former Governor Chris Christie, after last passing the legislature with bi-partisan support in 2015. Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) President and CEO Staci Berger issued the following statement on the bill’s passage: “We hope the third time is the charm for this common sense proposal to help communities address problem properties. Our neighbors in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have used this with terrific success. It’s time we do the same, especially given the enormous catalog of vacant and abandoned properties here in our state. Reclaiming these unsafe eyesores and municipal budget busters will help restore economic vitality and income to our neighborhoods. “Land banks are another tool that can bolster the policies already in effect in many places, including the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act. We applaud the committee for moving this bill and thank the sponsors, Senator Ruiz and Assemblywoman Jasey, for their leadership and tenacity on this issue.” About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ For more information: Nina Rainiero |
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