Each municipality that lies within the Meadowlands district can receive $100,000 through the MAP, which falls under the NJMC's Meadowlands Area Grants for Natural and Economic Transformation (MAGNET) program. In the past, the Meadowlands municipalities, including the north Hudson towns of Secaucus and North Bergen, have used MAP grants to purchase equipment, make repairs, expand recreational facilities and make infrastructure improvements. The NJMC has allocated $10 million in MAP funds throughout the Meadowlands district since the program began in Dec. 2002.
Property tax relief debate looms large in N.J.
The NJMC's property tax relief move comes at a time when the issue of property tax relief is taking center stage in Trenton. Property taxes have increased about 7 percent annually in New Jersey in recent years, raising average property taxes to approximately $6,000, which is twice the national average. Four special legislative panels have been meeting for months in the state legislature as part of the Corzine administration's attempt to bring property taxes under control. Corzine, who hopes to hold property tax increases to no more than three percent, has spoken out in support of giving local governments the authority to implement their own sales taxes. This idea among others is being discussed by the legislative panels, which have until Nov. 15 to come up with tax reform proposals as part of a plan to change New Jersey's tax system by the end of the year. Regionalization, service sharing agreements, and options similar the tax-sharing plan used by the NJMC in the Meadowlands district are also being discussed. Property tax relief cannot come too soon for many Garden State residents. With gains in income being offset by the rise in property taxes, many New Jerseyans are increasingly considering leaving the state rather than continue to bear the heavy property tax burden.
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) approved $1.4 million in Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) grants for each of its 14 Meadowlands district municipalities for taxpayer relief.
Each municipality that lies within the Meadowlands district can receive $100,000 through the MAP, which falls under the NJMC's Meadowlands Area Grants for Natural and Economic Transformation (MAGNET) program. In the past, the Meadowlands municipalities, including the north Hudson towns of Secaucus and North Bergen, have used MAP grants to purchase equipment, make repairs, expand recreational facilities and make infrastructure improvements. The NJMC has allocated $10 million in MAP funds throughout the Meadowlands district since the program began in Dec. 2002.
Property tax relief debate looms large in N.J.
The NJMC's property tax relief move comes at a time when the issue of property tax relief is taking center stage in Trenton. Property taxes have increased about 7 percent annually in New Jersey in recent years, raising average property taxes to approximately $6,000, which is twice the national average. Four special legislative panels have been meeting for months in the state legislature as part of the Corzine administration's attempt to bring property taxes under control. Corzine, who hopes to hold property tax increases to no more than three percent, has spoken out in support of giving local governments the authority to implement their own sales taxes. This idea among others is being discussed by the legislative panels, which have until Nov. 15 to come up with tax reform proposals as part of a plan to change New Jersey's tax system by the end of the year. Regionalization, service sharing agreements, and options similar the tax-sharing plan used by the NJMC in the Meadowlands district are also being discussed. Property tax relief cannot come too soon for many Garden State residents. With gains in income being offset by the rise in property taxes, many New Jerseyans are increasingly considering leaving the state rather than continue to bear the heavy property tax burden.
Commissioners express opinions about property tax relief
NJMC chairwoman Susan Bass Levin, who also serves at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner, spoke out about the need for property tax relief.
"As we look to build a competitive region in every sense, we are committed to helping our municipalities with the ongoing struggle to stabilize property taxes," she said. "While we are working at the statewide level to bring relief, we are moving forward here in the Meadowlands to assist with municipal services to residents that would otherwise lead to tax increases."
NJMC commissioner Arleen Walther discussed how the MAP grants can also help decrease the property tax burden for Meadowlands district residents by helping to pay for services that would otherwise come from local municipal budgets.
"Since starting MAP, we have been able to distribute millions of dollars throughout the Meadowlands, as well as offer professional assistance and expertise," she said. "These services have led to better planning through geographic information system technology, flood control assistance or establishing an equipment pool. Helping our municipalities meet these needs can only further the overall success of the Meadowlands."
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