(PARAMUS) – Assemblywoman Connie Wagner on Thursday said she continues working toward a plan to merge Teterboro with neighboring municipalities and intends to introduce new legislation on Monday that will address concerns of the business community.
“Many may debate what the right approach might be, but no one can defend this startling example of government inefficiency,” said Wagner (D-Bergen). “We’ve had a lot of talk lately about ‘poster boys’ for this and that, but Teterboro is inarguably the poster boy for a nonsensical and wasteful local government structure that helps drive up property taxes. It must change.”
Wagner is the sponsor of a plan that will disband Teterboro – a 1.1-square-mile community with about 25 residents – and distribute its land to four neighboring municipalities – South Hackensack, Little Ferry, Moonachie and Hasbrouck Heights.
Wagner said her new legislation will protect businesses from property tax increases that could ensue with a merger, just as is current law with residential property taxes.
If the Teterboro consolidation had been passed and in effect, the property taxes of the residential property tax payers would have remained stable instead of skyrocketing 51.9 percent, as reported by The Record of Bergen County, an amount which undoubtedly is passed onto those who rent in the community.
“If we cannot find a sensible way to consolidate a tiny place with a handful of residents such as Teterboro, then we have little hope of promoting local government efficiency throughout the rest of New Jersey,” Wagner said. “This is without question a contentious issue, but it’s time for all sides to come together and find a way to work toward a more sensible structure that will put New Jersey on the road toward being more affordable for everyone.”
