Tag: Green Acres funds

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Reader says Critics Habernickel, Schedler and expansion of Citizens Park are using ,” alternative facts”

Save Our Schedler Members & Friends at the Schedler House3

file photo by Boyd Loving

The following info was taken from the 2010 “Open Space Committee Report to The Village Council”: The Village has been highly successful in securing state and county Green Acres Funds of approx. 5.1 million dollars toward the 10 million dollar acquisition cost of the three properties: Habernickel, Schedler and expansion of Citizens Park. We still remain eligible for additional grants in the amount of 2.1 million dollars for the properties. At a previous council meeting at the time, former VM James Ten Hove said the price of a large field at Schedler would be about 9 million dollars. The council dismissed any development there due to the cost and lack of funds. When I hear people say we paid over 7 million dollars of tax payers money for the Schedler property, I think they must be referring to ” alternative facts.”

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Tuesdays Ballot Questions a Yes Vote Means More Taxes


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Tuesdays Ballot Questions a Yes Vote Means More Taxes 

Most often a YES vote means more taxes…… vote NO

Please use this information to inform your friends and family, and tell them it is critical for them to get out to vote!
 
Important Questions on the ballot, Tuesday, November 4
There are two State questions that are proposed constitutional amendments. One relates to your right to bail and pretrial release, and the other is on Open Space. 
 
Public question No. 1 – End the Right to Bail !!!!
A “yes” vote on this constitutional amendment would END yourcurrent right to release on bail prior to trial. You’re being asked to abolish this Constitutional right, and find out later what will replace it. It could allow a court to order indefinite detention pending trial in a criminal case; it does not require “a speedy trial.”
 
Recommendation: Vote NO!

 The question says, in part, “This would change the current constitutional right to bail. The change to the Constitution would mean that a court could order that a person remain in jail prior to trial, even without a chance for the person to post bail, in some situations”.   Article I, Sec. 11 of the NJ Constitution presently says, …”All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties.” This amendment would abolish that right.

 
Public question No. 2 – Divert Corporate Income Tax, then increase it

This would amend the Constitution to “Dedicate State funds for Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation, and change existing dedication for water programs, underground storage tanks, and hazardous site cleanups”.
A “Yes” vote would divert 4% of NJ corporate income tax funds, or $150M per year (NO SUNSET CLA– USE!), then increase that dedicated tax to six percent, or $200M in 2019. You will notice that there is NO reference to the cost on your sample ballot. Nor is there mention of how programs currently funded with the 4% that is to be diverted will be funded after this change. A convenient oversight?
 
There are NUMEROUS reasons to vote “No” :

 1)  it is unconscionable that New Jersey attempts to manage its annual budget by Constitutional amendment, without a sunset clause. Why would we bind the state FOREVER, rather than do this through legislation, that could be changed when necessary? THIS IS LUNACY!   (will cause your taxes to rise)
2) NJ already has already protected 31% of its land area, equivalent to the state of Delaware, from development. Approval of this question would take more land off the tax rolls – equivalent to Rhode Island!   (will cause your taxes to rise)
3) The precedent for government owning so much (formerly) private property is greatly disturbing. Such land is forever removed from the tax rolls (and from any potential to generate revenue or profit for either the State or for private business), and that cost is shifted to the already over-burdened NJ taxpayer.  (will cause your taxes to rise)
4) NJ already ranks dead last in terms of growth and business climate, and #1 in taxation, according to the Tax Foundation.  (more taxes)
5) An Allied Van Lines report indicates that, for every one customer they move into NJ, almost two are heading out. NJ is listed as the #1 outbound state for two of the last three years.(more tax for you!)
6) Our state is approaching bankruptcy, with everything from the State’s pension system, to roads and transportation, education, and everything in between scrambling for funds. Our unfunded liabilities for pensions and healthcare benefits is $254B (seven times the annual budget!), according to Americans for Prosperity, and the annual budget shortfall is nearing $1.6B.   (even more taxes for your and your family)
7) Even some of the environmentalists are concerned, because of the reallocation of the corporate tax that they fear could negatively impact currently funded programs.
(eventually more taxes for you) 
 
 
IF YOU NEED TO READ MORE ABOUT OPEN SPACE QUESTION 2:
What Will Question 2 Cost Taxpayers?   October 24, 2014   by Richard Miner
https://watchdogwire.com/new-jersey/2014/10/24/nj-open-space-ballot-initiative-would-give-govt-control-of-43-3-of-state-land/ 

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VILLAGE BUSTED!

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VILLAGE BUSTED!
September 18,2014
Boyd A. Loving
9:54 AM

Ridgewood NJ, During Wednesday evening’s Ridgewood Village Council Work Session, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld made an extremely surprising announcement – 

Land acquired by the Village using Green Acres funds was subsequently sold in 1982, yes 32 years ago, for purposes of creating a low/moderate income housing development.  The sale of property acquired with the assistance of Green Acres funds is prohibited by law, with few exceptions, and without the prior approval of State of NJ Department of Environmental (NJDEP) officials.

The property in question is located on the west side of South Broad Street, between Edwards Street and Highwood Avenue.  Prior to its sale, it served as a public park – there was playground equipment and a partially covered pavilion on the property.  A long time South Broad Street property owner recalls the park being closed at the request of neighbors because it had become a magnet for drug activity in the area.

The partially covered pavilion was dismantled and placed into storage; it was subsequently reconstructed at Graydon Pool near the snack bar and patio area and is still in place there.  The playground equipment, swings and seesaws, was likely discarded after being dismantled.

NJDEP officials recently contacted the Village after an audit revealed a disconnect between the Village’s inventory of open space and the State of NJ’s open space records.  Restitution for the unlawful disposition of Green Acres acquired property is now expected in the form of purchasing additional open space – in a 5 to 1 ratio – that is, 5 times more open space must be acquired than was sold.  Additionally, the new property must be outfitted with essentially the same amenities – it has to be a playground with a partially covered sitting area.

Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that Village officials are currently negotiating the purchase of property in connection with the State’s mandate to make restitution.  In all likelihood, two (2) parcels will be purchased to meet the “5 to 1 ratio” requirement.  No information was publicly provided at the Council Work Session as to the location of parcels targeted for purchase.