Photo: Mitch Geier and wife Betsy
with dogs
Chey (left) and Jack (right)
(we have 3 dogs 2 cats 4 birds and 1 lizard)
Mitch Geier
|
Photo: Mitch Geier and wife Betsy Mitch Geier |
|
|
Proposed Hawkin Point Rezoning to Increase Taxes for All Plumsted Homeowners
The Plumsted Township Land Use Board has recommended that the Township Committee rezone an area near Hawkin Point from commercial to residential based on the request from a group of Hawkin Point residents who do not want commercial activity near their neighborhood. As three of the Land Use Board members also serve on the Township Committee, the rezoning is likely to be approved. Two candidates running for Plumsted Township Committee this year are expressing deep concern over the impact this proposed change will have on all Plumsted homeowners’ property taxes. Mitch Geier and Don Knause have developed an alternate proposal that would restrict the rezoning to desirable commercial activity, would add only two new houses, and would not negatively impact Plumsted Township property owners through increased property taxes. Don Knause states, “Both Mitch and I live a stone’s throw from Hawkin Point, so we understand the concern of residents not wanting unrestricted commercial activity in their backyard. It’s our backyard too! Our concern is the huge impact this rezoning will have on every residents’ property taxes.” Mitch Geier adds, “The Land Use Board’s recommendation of 6 new houses in Hawkin Point would result in over $83,000 in net costs for schools that are over and above the taxes these new homes will bring in through their property taxes. These incremental costs will need to be spread among all the homeowners in Plumsted and will result in yet another round of sizable increases in our property taxes. The residents of this community cannot continue to be our municipalities’ ATM. We feel there is a better way that serves the entire community.”
The Geier/Knause Proposal suggests that the property that is currently zoned commercial be rezoned for 2 (versus 6) new houses with the remaining property rezoned to a new category zoned as “educational/recreational.” Geier states, “Our Proposal will cost taxpayers nothing. More importantly, our plan will provide almost $24,000 of incremental revenue to the township to defray our high property taxes. The Land Use Board’s Proposal would cost residents an additional $83,000.” Knause notes, “Our intention is twofold. We want to reduce homeowners’ taxes, not increase them. Additionally, we want to bring desirable services to our community that are sorely needed. Our downtown area can’t support many types of needed services due to lack of sewers and lack of appropriate space. Our Proposal would limit this area to educational and recreational –such as a day care center or gym. This will assure we are bringing in services that add to our community, not undesirable businesses that would detract. Both Geier and Knause urge residents to make their opinions known to the Township Committee at the upcoming meeting to review this proposal. Currently, the scheduled public meeting will be held on July 14 at the Municipal Building. Both Geier and Knause also encourage concerned citizens to contact them for more information at 758-1111 ext 1.
Comparison of Plumsted Township Land Use Plan & Geier/Knause Plan
Assumptions: · Assumes $6,600 in taxes generated by each new Hawkin Point house based on $250,000 assessed value and 2002 property tax rate of $2.64 per $100. · Assumes $7,920 taxes generated per new educational/recreational unit based on $300,000 assessed value and 2002 property tax rate of $2.64 per $100. · Assumes each new house contributed an average of 2.3 new students to the school system. · Assumes an incremental $8,000 per student in additional cost to the township for school costs. |
|
NOTE: We are not responsible for content at any link that is in purpleSend mail to
mg@mitchgeier.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
