By DON STINE
An ordinance creating a special tax dedicated to preserving open space, which will have to be approved by voters on Nov. 4, was narrowly approved by the Neptune Township Committee Monday night.
In a 3-to-2 vote, the committee adopted the ordinance after several residents said its wording was too vague or confusing, especially regarding funding construction projects with the money.
Mayor Randy Bishop and Committeewoman Mary Beth Jahn voted against adopting the ordinance.
I thought this was for open space only, said Ocean Grove resident Kennedy Buckley.
Buckley, along with other residents, said the ordinance should only fund open space or historic acquisitions rather than possibly funding construction of a community center one of the options being considered under the ordinance.
Its not clear as to what you are going to do, said former mayor Joseph Krimko.
If we are using the funds for a community center, then please say so, said resident Denis McCarthy.
The open-space tax would be about one cent for each $100 of assessed valuation, which would raise about $300,000 based on the 2008 tax rate.
A homeowner with a $240,900 assessment (the townships average) would pay an additional tax of about $24.09 a year. Money from the special tax will be held in a special dedicated-account with the funds and related interest used for open space acquisition or improvements. Other municipalities in Monmouth County have similar taxes.
The open space tax will initially have a 15-year life span unless a proposition approving extending the time limit is approved by voters at a later date.
The ordinance will now be put before voters in a nonbinding referendum in the Nov. 4 general election.
Money raised from the added tax will fund the acquisition land slated for conservation or for the preservation of parks, farmlands or historic sites. However, it also states that money raised may also be used for construction projects.
And while many at the meeting said a community center is certainly needed, it should not be funded through an open-space program.
Township Attorney Gene Anthony said there are active and passive recreational acquisitions, adding that the active sites almost always need some kind of construction improvements, whether for sport facilities or restrooms.
A community center is a big project and to build that we would have to change the ordinance. Construction of a major building is probably pushing it a little bit, he said.
Bishop said he believes the ordinance needs to be reworded before being adopted. Jahn did not elaborate on her vote.
Committeeman Thomas J. Catley said county and state open space money has been used with great success in the townships past, citing Riverside Park in Shark River Hills, the Bradley School park site, and the townships Little League fields as examples.
He also cited demolition of the old Stout Farm on Route 33 as an example where open space money could have been used but was not available.
Well see but I think we do have a need for it here in Neptune, he said.
Committeeman James Manning Jr., who supported building the community center, said he has no problem with that aspect being removed from the ordinance.
My mind is set on open space and not a building, Deputy Mayor Michael Brantley said before voting in favor of the ordinance.
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