Bucco Bill Approving The Sale of Morris Township Property Clears Senate

The New Jersey Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would authorize the Department of Treasury to sell state-owned property to the Township of Morris, where the property is located.

"Maintaining vacant state-owned property often ties up state resources and can be an eye sore for local communities. By authorizing this sale, the township would be able to transform more than seven acres of vacant land into a welcoming community center to offer the township more youth and senior community programs," said Bucco (R-25). "Through hard work and our strong partnership with local officials, we were able to save Morris Township hundreds of thousands of dollars on the purchase of this land. I am thankful for my colleagues in the Senate for passing this legislation, which is an important step towards helping Morris Township revitalize these neglected resources for its community."

The State of New Jersey wants to sell a parcel of land to Morris Township that has been deemed surplus to the needs of the state. Under current law, State property worth more than $500,000 cannot be sold until legislation is enacted to authorize the sale.

The value of the property, which houses a vacant school run by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), was appraised at $580,000.

Senator Bucco's bill, S-3993/A-5648 would:

• Authorize the State of New Jersey to sell the 7.8-acres of land to the Township of Morris, where the property is located.
• Obviate the State's responsibility and cost of maintaining the land and structures located on the parcel.
• Generate $580,000 for the State while saving the township hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Allow Morris Township to put the property to better public use by creating a community center that offers both youth and senior programs.

"Morris Township is taking a major step towards building a community center for residents of all ages to enjoy for decades," said Mayor Gyorfy. "I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with Senator Bucco and for his tireless efforts to pass this legislation. With this bill's passage, Morris Township will save hundreds of thousands of dollars when purchasing the old Jean St. school from the State. We are excited to get to work revitalizing the building and grounds for not just recreation programs and youth activities, but also for amenities dedicated to our community's active seniors. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Bucco, my colleagues on the Township Committee, and our federal, State and local partners to identify funding opportunities that will allow the Township to begin renovating this former schoolhouse in the coming years."

You can read the full version of the bill online.

For further comment or background from Sen. Bucco, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications.

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