Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 17, 2007 9:33:11 GMT -5
Panter: Navy's Earle Housing Plans would Bankrupt Colts Neck Taxpayers
Assemblyman Mike Panter has released information on the financial consequences to local residents if the U.S. Navy proceeds with its civilian housing plan for the Earle Naval Weapons Station ("Earle") located in Colts Neck, NJ.
Panter has led state and local opposition to the Navy's plans to rent as many as 300 homes on the Earle base to civilian families as early as 2010, on federal land which is exempt from local property taxes. Panter has held several meetings with officials from Colts Neck, where the property is located, and Tinton Falls, which has educated the children of Navy families housed at Earle for many years.
Meetings have also been held with the commanding officer of Earle, Captain Gary Maynard, the Navy's legal counsel, David Gayle, and the private developer based in Seattle, Washington, who would be in charge of leasing the housing units should the Navy's plans proceed.
"The Navy's housing plan is focused solely on making a profit, without regard to its impact on our local communities," said Panter. "The financial gain is meaningless in relation to the Navy's budget, but it comes at a great cost to our residents."
"Allowing civilians to move onto a military base when we know terrorists are targeting New Jersey bases would be extremely negligent," said Panter. "The economic impact could also force families to leave Colts Neck, and decrease property values."
Panter sponsored legislation (A-4272), approved by the Assembly in June, which clarified the responsibilities of the Tinton Falls School District with respect to students residing at the Earle base. An agreement signed in the 1980s provided that Tinton Falls would educate the children of Navy families residing on the base, despite their homes being located in Colts Neck. Tinton Falls agreed as part of Panter's legislation to continue the education of Navy dependents living in Colts Neck, and to accept children from other military service branches as well.
"The Tinton Falls School District showed their willingness, again, to educate the children of service men and women who reside on the base, despite the lack of funding they receive from the federal government to do so," said Panter.
"My mission at this point is to protect Colts Neck residents from the Navy's plans, and I will announce my plans this week," said Panter.
Panter said he has completed a study which demonstrates that the school tax rate in Colts Neck would increase 20.7% as a result of the Navy's plans, assuming an average of 1.5 students per unit residing on the base. Colts Neck's overall tax rate would increase by 14.3%. Based on Colts Neck's average 2006 property tax bill, this would equate to an immediate increase per household of more than $1,800 per year.
"The actual cost to Colts Neck's residents would likely be much higher," Panter cautioned. "A new school would also be required to accommodate an influx of up to 500 new students."
"These represent modest estimates and the numbers are still staggering," said Panter. "In light of this, I have been working tirelessly to find a solution which protects Colts Neck's taxpayers, and will have news to share on these efforts this week."
Panter to Meet with DEP Officials Regarding
Branchport Creek Pollution
Working in conjunction with Senator Ellen Karcher and Oceanport Mayor Lucille Chaump, Assemblyman Mike Panter has re-emphasized the need to identify and eliminate the source of pollution that has caused high fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria levels in Branchport Creek and other waterways downstream from Monmouth Park Racetrack for the past several Summer seasons. Panter says he has been in regular communication with the DEP regarding monitoring and recent penalties assessed against the park.
"Actions were taken at the park in the fall of 2006 designed to eliminate the runoff problems which have been an environmental and health hazard for residents of Oceanport," said Panter, a member of the Assembly Environment Committee. "Despite assurances, water testing done on June 4 of this year again showed levels of bacteria emanating downstream from Monmouth Park."
Panter says he was informed that DEP officials would be monitoring activities at the park during the week of June 18th of this year, in order to pinpoint the problem.
"In light of the June 18th water testing results from the Monmouth County Department of Health, It is time we discuss concrete actions that can be taken by the park and DEP," said Panter. "We need to guarantee the safety of the residents who live along and recreate in these waterways."
In a July 3rd letter to DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson, Panter said a 'meeting is overdue between officials at the park, Department of Environmental Protection officials, and policy makers in order to pinpoint the cause of this reoccurring pollution and permanently eliminate it.'
The meeting is expected to take place before the end of July, according to Panter.
'Senior Freeze' Tax Reimbursement Checks in the Mail
Senior citizens and residents with disabilities who applied for the state's Senior Property Tax Freeze program by the original June 1 deadline can expect to begin receiving their checks as early as next week, according to Assemblyman Mike Panter.
Panter urged all eligible low-income seniors to make sure they apply for the program because the deadline has been extended to August 15.
"Senior citizens are the most financially vulnerable residents when property taxes rise," said Panter. "These checks will help countless seniors stay in the homes in which they have accumulated a lifetime of memories. This is real relief for residents who need it most."
The state began mailing 121,709 reimbursement checks - averaging $958 - on Friday, July 13. Under the program, eligible applicants are reimbursed directly for the difference between the amount of local property taxes paid in their "base year" (the first year they became eligible and filed for the program) and the amount of property taxes paid in the reimbursement year.
Funding for the Senior Freeze program reached $153 million this year, property tax relief Panter supported through voting for the new state budget.
The funding for the Senior Freeze is in addition to the $2.2 billion set aside in the state budget to provide other homeowners with property tax cuts of up to 20 percent. The deadline for homeowners to apply for that program also is August 15.
"It is crucial that taxpayers make sure to file their applications to qualify for these important property-tax relief programs," said Panter. "The relief provided by these rebate checks can help residents afford everyday necessities by offsetting property tax bills."
Seniors who previously had not applied for the Senior Freeze program have until August 15 to submit an application, with checks to be sent out as soon as possible.
Further information on the Senior Freeze program can be obtained by calling 1-800-882-6597 or via the Internet at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.htm. Residents can also call Assemblyman Panter's district office at (732) 544-2116 for more information.
Panter Hosts Forum on Regional Contribution Agreement (RCA)
Assemblyman Mike Panter will host a meeting, in coordination with the Freehold Township Committee, to discuss the potential elimination of Regional Contribution Agreements (RCA's) as a method of satisfying a municipality's affordable housing obligation under state law. RCAs are legal agreements that allows a town to pay another community to assume its affordable housing.
Legislation has been introduced at the state level which would eliminate affordable housing RCA's between municipalities. In place of RCA's, A- 3857 would transfer money from the Neighborhood Preservation Non-lapsing Revolving Fund in an amount of not less than $15,000,000 per year into a Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Fund.
"Before this proposal begins to move through the legislative process, I would like to hear the views of elected officials from the municipalities that I represent," Panter said, calling the issue very important.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 26 at 7PM and will be held at the Freehold Township Municipal Building, located at 1 Municipal Plaza, Room 114.
Panter Mobile Office Dates
A mobile office provides residents with easy access to services that Assemblyman Panter's district office can offer to constituents. Staff members will be available to address individual questions and concerns.
Services include voter registration assistance, affordable housing information, prescription drug coverage information, consumer affairs, Motor Vehicle Commission services and information on property tax relief programs.
Please contact the Assemblyman's office directly for immediate assistance by calling (732) 544-2116 or emailing AsmPanter@njleg.org. Assemblyman Panter's 12th District office is located at 167 Avenue of the Common, Unit 7 in Shrewsbury (07702).
Mobile Office dates, times and locations:
Thursday, July 19
1:30-4:30 P.M.
Covered Bridge
1 Amberly Drive, Manalapan
Thursday, July 26
11 A.M.- 1 P.M.
Seabrooke Village
3002 Essex Road, Tinton Falls
Friday, July 27
11 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Manalapan Senior Center
211 Freehold Rd, Manalapan
Tuesday, July 31
11 A.M.-1 P.M.
Monmouth County Library (EASTERN HQ)
1001 Rt 35, Shrewsbury
Friday, August 3
2 P.M.-5 P.M.
Hightstown Post Office
150 Mercer St, Hightstown
Assemblyman Mike Panter has released information on the financial consequences to local residents if the U.S. Navy proceeds with its civilian housing plan for the Earle Naval Weapons Station ("Earle") located in Colts Neck, NJ.
Panter has led state and local opposition to the Navy's plans to rent as many as 300 homes on the Earle base to civilian families as early as 2010, on federal land which is exempt from local property taxes. Panter has held several meetings with officials from Colts Neck, where the property is located, and Tinton Falls, which has educated the children of Navy families housed at Earle for many years.
Meetings have also been held with the commanding officer of Earle, Captain Gary Maynard, the Navy's legal counsel, David Gayle, and the private developer based in Seattle, Washington, who would be in charge of leasing the housing units should the Navy's plans proceed.
"The Navy's housing plan is focused solely on making a profit, without regard to its impact on our local communities," said Panter. "The financial gain is meaningless in relation to the Navy's budget, but it comes at a great cost to our residents."
"Allowing civilians to move onto a military base when we know terrorists are targeting New Jersey bases would be extremely negligent," said Panter. "The economic impact could also force families to leave Colts Neck, and decrease property values."
Panter sponsored legislation (A-4272), approved by the Assembly in June, which clarified the responsibilities of the Tinton Falls School District with respect to students residing at the Earle base. An agreement signed in the 1980s provided that Tinton Falls would educate the children of Navy families residing on the base, despite their homes being located in Colts Neck. Tinton Falls agreed as part of Panter's legislation to continue the education of Navy dependents living in Colts Neck, and to accept children from other military service branches as well.
"The Tinton Falls School District showed their willingness, again, to educate the children of service men and women who reside on the base, despite the lack of funding they receive from the federal government to do so," said Panter.
"My mission at this point is to protect Colts Neck residents from the Navy's plans, and I will announce my plans this week," said Panter.
Panter said he has completed a study which demonstrates that the school tax rate in Colts Neck would increase 20.7% as a result of the Navy's plans, assuming an average of 1.5 students per unit residing on the base. Colts Neck's overall tax rate would increase by 14.3%. Based on Colts Neck's average 2006 property tax bill, this would equate to an immediate increase per household of more than $1,800 per year.
"The actual cost to Colts Neck's residents would likely be much higher," Panter cautioned. "A new school would also be required to accommodate an influx of up to 500 new students."
"These represent modest estimates and the numbers are still staggering," said Panter. "In light of this, I have been working tirelessly to find a solution which protects Colts Neck's taxpayers, and will have news to share on these efforts this week."
Panter to Meet with DEP Officials Regarding
Branchport Creek Pollution
Working in conjunction with Senator Ellen Karcher and Oceanport Mayor Lucille Chaump, Assemblyman Mike Panter has re-emphasized the need to identify and eliminate the source of pollution that has caused high fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria levels in Branchport Creek and other waterways downstream from Monmouth Park Racetrack for the past several Summer seasons. Panter says he has been in regular communication with the DEP regarding monitoring and recent penalties assessed against the park.
"Actions were taken at the park in the fall of 2006 designed to eliminate the runoff problems which have been an environmental and health hazard for residents of Oceanport," said Panter, a member of the Assembly Environment Committee. "Despite assurances, water testing done on June 4 of this year again showed levels of bacteria emanating downstream from Monmouth Park."
Panter says he was informed that DEP officials would be monitoring activities at the park during the week of June 18th of this year, in order to pinpoint the problem.
"In light of the June 18th water testing results from the Monmouth County Department of Health, It is time we discuss concrete actions that can be taken by the park and DEP," said Panter. "We need to guarantee the safety of the residents who live along and recreate in these waterways."
In a July 3rd letter to DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson, Panter said a 'meeting is overdue between officials at the park, Department of Environmental Protection officials, and policy makers in order to pinpoint the cause of this reoccurring pollution and permanently eliminate it.'
The meeting is expected to take place before the end of July, according to Panter.
'Senior Freeze' Tax Reimbursement Checks in the Mail
Senior citizens and residents with disabilities who applied for the state's Senior Property Tax Freeze program by the original June 1 deadline can expect to begin receiving their checks as early as next week, according to Assemblyman Mike Panter.
Panter urged all eligible low-income seniors to make sure they apply for the program because the deadline has been extended to August 15.
"Senior citizens are the most financially vulnerable residents when property taxes rise," said Panter. "These checks will help countless seniors stay in the homes in which they have accumulated a lifetime of memories. This is real relief for residents who need it most."
The state began mailing 121,709 reimbursement checks - averaging $958 - on Friday, July 13. Under the program, eligible applicants are reimbursed directly for the difference between the amount of local property taxes paid in their "base year" (the first year they became eligible and filed for the program) and the amount of property taxes paid in the reimbursement year.
Funding for the Senior Freeze program reached $153 million this year, property tax relief Panter supported through voting for the new state budget.
The funding for the Senior Freeze is in addition to the $2.2 billion set aside in the state budget to provide other homeowners with property tax cuts of up to 20 percent. The deadline for homeowners to apply for that program also is August 15.
"It is crucial that taxpayers make sure to file their applications to qualify for these important property-tax relief programs," said Panter. "The relief provided by these rebate checks can help residents afford everyday necessities by offsetting property tax bills."
Seniors who previously had not applied for the Senior Freeze program have until August 15 to submit an application, with checks to be sent out as soon as possible.
Further information on the Senior Freeze program can be obtained by calling 1-800-882-6597 or via the Internet at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.htm. Residents can also call Assemblyman Panter's district office at (732) 544-2116 for more information.
Panter Hosts Forum on Regional Contribution Agreement (RCA)
Assemblyman Mike Panter will host a meeting, in coordination with the Freehold Township Committee, to discuss the potential elimination of Regional Contribution Agreements (RCA's) as a method of satisfying a municipality's affordable housing obligation under state law. RCAs are legal agreements that allows a town to pay another community to assume its affordable housing.
Legislation has been introduced at the state level which would eliminate affordable housing RCA's between municipalities. In place of RCA's, A- 3857 would transfer money from the Neighborhood Preservation Non-lapsing Revolving Fund in an amount of not less than $15,000,000 per year into a Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Fund.
"Before this proposal begins to move through the legislative process, I would like to hear the views of elected officials from the municipalities that I represent," Panter said, calling the issue very important.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 26 at 7PM and will be held at the Freehold Township Municipal Building, located at 1 Municipal Plaza, Room 114.
Panter Mobile Office Dates
A mobile office provides residents with easy access to services that Assemblyman Panter's district office can offer to constituents. Staff members will be available to address individual questions and concerns.
Services include voter registration assistance, affordable housing information, prescription drug coverage information, consumer affairs, Motor Vehicle Commission services and information on property tax relief programs.
Please contact the Assemblyman's office directly for immediate assistance by calling (732) 544-2116 or emailing AsmPanter@njleg.org. Assemblyman Panter's 12th District office is located at 167 Avenue of the Common, Unit 7 in Shrewsbury (07702).
Mobile Office dates, times and locations:
Thursday, July 19
1:30-4:30 P.M.
Covered Bridge
1 Amberly Drive, Manalapan
Thursday, July 26
11 A.M.- 1 P.M.
Seabrooke Village
3002 Essex Road, Tinton Falls
Friday, July 27
11 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Manalapan Senior Center
211 Freehold Rd, Manalapan
Tuesday, July 31
11 A.M.-1 P.M.
Monmouth County Library (EASTERN HQ)
1001 Rt 35, Shrewsbury
Friday, August 3
2 P.M.-5 P.M.
Hightstown Post Office
150 Mercer St, Hightstown