Housing Advocates Applaud Assembly Passage of Land Banks

5/23/2019

The New Jersey Assembly today voted in favor of legislation that would allow municipalities to create land banks, a key tool 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:

“Many municipalities are already taking steps to address vacant and abandoned properties blighting their neighborhoods through policies available in the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act. Land banks are another valuable tool that can bolster their efforts to assemble and restore problem properties. They can help put these properties back on the tax rolls, revitalizing neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for residents and taxpayers.

“Several states are utilizing land banks with great success, we can do the same thing right here in New Jersey and see a tremendous benefit. Reclaiming these eyesores and municipal budget busters is long overdue. We applaud the members of the Assembly for voting in favor of the bill. We are especially grateful to the leadership and tenacity of sponsors, Assemblywoman Jasey, who has led this effort, with her colleagues Asw. Chaparro and Asw. Tucker.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Rainiero
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Website: hcdnnj.org
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