BLOG:
The Deed is Done: Bruce’s Beach Officially Returned to Family’s Descendants Almost a Century After Pretextual Condemnation
In November 2021, we blogged about a story where California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed a law authorizing Los Angeles County to return a beach property taken by eminent domain back to descendants of the original property owners. That blog can be found here. Fast forward to mid-July 2022, an oceanfront ceremony officially marked the first... Read More
Morristown To Undergo Property Tax Revaluation
The Town of Morristown recently confirmed that it will be undertaking a municipal-wide revaluation of all properties in the Town, for the first time since a 2004 revaluation was performed. A revaluation program involves the mass appraisal and reassessment of all real property in a taxing district and is performed by an outside professional appraisal... Read More
New Tax Court Rules Proposed
On July 15, 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a Notice to the Bar which proposed changes to the New Jersey Court rules which would address Appellate Division opinions which are published in the New Jersey Tax Reports. The proposed changes are open to comments through August 15, 2022. The Notice to the Bar... Read More
Denial of SCOTUS Review: Open Door for More Takings Under Kelo?
Our blog often focuses on Court action that shapes the law surrounding the substantial power of eminent domain. However, in some instances, Court inaction may lead to detrimental consequences for property owners when faced with a governmental taking. One notable example of Court inaction that is worth discussing is the case of Eychaner v. City... Read More
Do Me a Favor, Open The Door, and Let ‘Em In!
“Someone’s knockin’ at the door Somebody’s ringin’ the bell Someone’s knockin’ at the door Somebody’s ringin’ the bell Do me a favor Open the door and let ’em in” Paul McCartney, 1976 A recent opinion by the Tax Court of New Jersey reminded us of the Wings classic “Let Em In”, written by Paul McCartney... Read More
How Does a Reverse Mortgage Impact Your Recovery in an Eminent Domain Case?
Eminent domain is the inherent right or power of the government to “take” private property for public use. Notwithstanding that substantial power, the government may not take property for public use without paying the property owner “just compensation.” (Emphasis added). Generally speaking, the fair market value of the property taken, plus any damages to any... Read More
Oberlin Pipeline Challege Ends at DC Circuit Court of Appeal
“Tin soldiers and Nixon’s coming We’re finally on our own This summer I hear the drumming Four dead in Ohio….” Ohio, Crosby Stills Nash & Young (Neil Young). Well, it’s not as drastic as “four dead in Ohio”, but I love the tune and the City of Oberlin’s appeal is now dead (unless miraculously revived... Read More
Missouri Revises Its Eminent Domain Laws, Protects Property Rights
On June 11, 2022, Missouri’s Governor Michael Parson signed House Bill HB 2005 to reform the State’s eminent domain laws. The new legislation specifically targets use of eminent domain by electrical companies as well as application to farmland being taken. HB 2005 details that in order to use the power of eminent domain, electrical companies... Read More
Revocation of Highway Access Affirmed on Appeal
On July 5, 2022, the Appellate Division affirmed a denial of direct highway access by the NJ Dep’t of Transportation. In re Revocation of the Permit for Direct Access to Route 206, Docket A-1958-18. Opinion here. The property owner – Sylvia Zika – had litigated the denial of access through the entire regulatory process culminating... Read More
Governor Murphy’s ANCHOR Program Could Lead To “Truly Historic” Tax Relief
It is nothing new that New Jersey homeowners pay the highest property taxes in the country, with average tax bills in 2021 around $9,200. Much-needed property tax relief could be on the way if approved as part of Governor Murphy’s state budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2023, beginning July 1. The new state program supported... Read More
