By DON STINE
A year-long moratorium on using the power of eminent domain for redevelopment in Neptune just received another year-long extension
“It will be a good faith effort while we continue the discussion,” Mayor Randy Bishop said at Monday’s Township Committee meeting.
The moratorium will expire Dec. 31 and there are mixed opinions on the committee about its renewal.
Committeemen Thomas J. Catley and James Manning Jr. voted against the moratorium when it was first introduced but were both absent when it was extended Monday night.
Bishop, who owns The Melrose bed and breakfast in Ocean Grove, voted to see it extended as did Deputy Mayor Michael Brantley and Committeewoman Mary Beth Jahn.
Brantley said he knows of no pending eminent domain decisions in the township other than those that already existing prior to the moratorium.
Brantley said he hopes the governing body can make a decision on whether to adopt an ordinance banning the use of eminent domain next year.
“I expect the township will vigorously pursue this issue itself,” he said.
Jahn voted to also extend the moratorium stating it should become a permanent policy.
Catley and Manning, on the other hand, believe that eminent domain does have its place in government, especially if handled the right way.
Catley said he has found in the past that if the township works with property owners they can often be convinced that it is in their best interest to cooperate and that any proposed redevelopment will benefit their business.
“It’s a tool in the tool belt. (Eminent domain) should be in place but it doesn’t necessarily have to be used,” he said several weeks ago.
Manning said at past meetings that he is not in favor of extending the moratorium and that it hasn’t really changed any policies over the last year.
All governing body members, however, said they feel eminent domain should not be used on residential properties but only to acquire businesses.
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