Senator Steven Oroho

December 4, 2009

Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Steve Oroho (R-24)

Senator Steve Oroho, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the passage of S-1875 which would extend the expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from 2009 to 2014.

“This is a fundamental issue of fairness. The landowners in the Highlands region were given assurances that they would be fairly compensated for the value of their land that was dramatically reduced in value by the implementation of the 2004 Highlands Act. In many cases, red tape and time delays hampered the ability of property owners from filing for consideration under the dual appraisal provision of the Highlands Act.

“The dual appraisal process was inserted into the Highlands Act to protect the rights of property owners whose land was significantly devalued by Highlands Act regulations. The dual appraisal process would compensate property owners at the value of their property before the Highlands Act took effect.

“The State of New Jersey wiped out millions of dollars of retirement funds and equity for many property owners and farmers in the Highlands area. I am hopeful that this bill, and its companion in the General Assembly, which correct this injustice and be signed into law before the end of the legislative session.”

Senator Steve Oroho, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the passage of S-1875 which would extend the expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from 2009 to 2014. “This is a fundamental [...]