Learn How NJ’s Land Bank Law Can Transform Newark: Public Forums

NEWARK, NJ — A series of public meetings in Newark will shed some light on a new state law that can help combat property blight, officials say.

Last month, the “New Jersey Land Bank bill” was signed into law during a press conference on South Orange Avenue in Newark. The law – which took effect immediately – authorizes New Jersey communities to create "land banks," a legal mechanism that helps government entities to buy abandoned, vacant or neglected properties for the public good.

Here's how it works, according to a statement from Newark city officials:

"Under the New Jersey Land Bank Law, municipalities will be allowed to designate a non-profit organization or a public entity as the municipality's land bank entity. The public entities which a municipality may designate as a land bank entity include redevelopment entities, county improvement authorities, and departments and agencies of the municipality itself. Land bank entities will be permitted to acquire properties on its own and act as a municipality's agent to purchase liens at a tax sale, carry out lien foreclosures, and take individual abandoned properties."

Hopefully, the new law will allow towns and cities to turn blighted eyesores into productive properties again, supporters said.

• See related article: NJ Land Banking Law Will Help Newark Combat Blight
• See related article: NJ Democratic Reps Talk About Newark Land Banking On APAL Radio

To help familiarize local residents and community members with the new law – as well as how it can help them to revitalize their neighborhoods – advocates and officials will hold a series of public meetings.

The forums kick off Tuesday, Aug. 27 and run until Thursday, Sept. 5. They will take place at the following locations from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.:

• West Ward - Tuesday, August 27, UVSO, 40 Richelieu Terrace
• South Ward - Wednesday, August 28, NANTech World, 400 Hawthorne Avenue
• North Ward - Thursday, August 29, Temple Rock, 860 Broadway
• Central Ward - Wednesday, September 4, The Clubhouse, 205 Spruce Street
• East Ward - Thursday, September 5, Mantena Global, 294 Ferry Street

The initiative was organized by the Newark People’s Assembly in cooperation with the City of Newark, the Newark Municipal Council and the Newark Economic Development Corporation.

For information, call or text (973) 803-6373 or (201) 452-8450.

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