BF South still under threat of eminent domain

There is a mistaken impression that since Hovnanian is no longer the designated developer of the Beachfront South area of Long Branch, that the area is no longer under threat of eminent domain. Only the homeowners who agreed to have their homes and businesses purchased by Hovnanian have received a letter stating that contract is terminated. None of us have received any formal announcement stating that we are secure.

The failure of this specific plan for redevelopment does not automatically remove the redevelopment zone designation, which includes the option of the city to take our properties by eminent domain, with no end date. Until and unless the city government removes the redevelopment designation, we are still under threat of losing our homes.

The city should immediately change the designation to an area in need of rehabilitation, which removes the threat of condemnation. This would allow the city to encourage and assist in changing the area, while offering incentives to do so. Owners would then be allowed to improve their properties, and even to get city permits for work that cannot be done because the city does not give out permits in the redevelopment zones.

For true redevelopment to occur, the city must give up the lost cause of takings by force and pursue the just path of supportive rehabilitation.
Michelle Bobrow
Long Branch