Tax Relief Bill For Towns Purchasing Flood-Prone Properties Advances

An Assembly panel Thursday approved bipartisan legislation that would provide tax relief to towns like Saddle Brook that are hoping to acquire flood-prone homes through the state's Blue Acres program.

The bill (A-3362), which now awaits consideration by the full Assembly, exempts certain properties acquired by municipalities after Oct. 1 from county, school, and fire district taxes for the following tax year.

In September, Saddle Brook learned it would receive $487,500 to assist with the approximately $3.5 million planned purchase of eight flood-prone properties in the township.

"This is a simple solution to allow for towns to plan correctly for next year's budget," said Assemblyman Timothy Eustace (D-38), who co-sponsored the bill. "Towns like Saddle Brook have dealt with enough flooding problems over the past few years. They should not have to pay the consequences of higher taxes due to a technicality while we attempt to alleviate the issue for them and others throughout New Jersey."

Funding for the purchase of flood-prone properties comes from the state's Blue Acres program, which helps municipalities acquire lands in the floodways of rivers, and their respective tributaries, for recreation and conservation purposes. Eligible flood prone properties are those that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. Blue Acres acquisitions must be from willing sellers.

According to a NorthJersey.com report in September, if Saddle Brook were to acquire the flood-prone properties it seeks, the township would demolish the houses currently there and convert the land to open space.

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