The Lakewood UEZ met mainly to discuss the future of the UEZ, along with some old business, and some proposals should Governor Christie decide to keep the program running. The Director discussed testimony given at the urban affairs committee hearings in support of the UEZ. A Township resolution written in support, as well as a letter from the UEZ itself are being sent to the Governor. A letter was submitted by the Lakewood Downtown Commission to the UEZ. The plan submitted delineates troubled buildings in the downtown that could be purchased to renovate and provide reduced rent for new businesses that are actually interested in selling real things.
The buildings eventually could be sold to produce property tax revenue once again. The suggestion was greeted with rousing applause from members such as Rabbi Weisberg. One member even stated “it seems that someone is cooking up something good”.
A submission of a small business consulting project that would cost 155,000 dollars over the next few years was approved. This was proposed to help people that have a small business and may feel inadequate, to grow their business with the expert touch of consultants from Georgian Court College.
The management of the apartments above the Strand Theater was further discussed. Committeeman Coles was happy to announce that the current management would still be willing to manage the apartments that add money to the town coffers. There was no further discussion regarding the actual location of the coffers.
Overall the mood at the meeting was pungent with hopefulness that the UEZ will continue to succeed in helping those that need help.
if the UEZ goes down. Most of the money was never used for good purposes, i.e., a new ball park??!! I’d rather avoid an income tax increase.
AND LIKE THE PARKING LOT THAY WANT TO MAKE ON 4TH STREET NEAR FOODEX
Yeah sold to a hand selected person(s) so they can make money as the landlord. Looks good for HH.
Where is that coffer? who is the management compnay? somthing smells here.
UEZ funds didn’t come from property taxes!
i especially like the georgian touch. on the downtown plan, if the rabbi and the members think the aroma is good, when will they actually start this cooking? the strand doesn’t smell so bad…from here
Can someone tell me when is the next UEZ meeting.
to #5,
we know that it doesnt come from property taxes. But we who actually PAY INCOME TAXES have to make us to the state for the lost revenue with our tax dollars. So Christie is trying to avoid hiking the income tax by taking the UEZ money.
Uez is finished? So lakewood lost its piggy bank
The UEZ has done some good. Without the UEZ the sales tax in Lakewood will go back to 7% from 3.5% and in the past I believe it helped Hatzolah and the LPD purchase new equipment and vehicles. So we should not be so apathetic towards its potential loss.