Sussex introduces tax ordinance for redevelopment zone

SUSSEX — The sussex borough council introduced an ordinance on Jan. 31, establishing a five-year tax-exemption abatement area along the Route 23 Redevelopmet.

The ordinance would cover what is designated as Area A, the 10-12 acres of vacant land around the new southbound side of Route 23 where Walling Avenue exists today.

Borough Attorney Francis J. McGovern discussed with the council its desire to work through the “conceptual” plan for redevelopment.

The council and McGovern discussed three questions and points:

What are the benefits and hindrances of including only Area A in the first ordinance?

Will the ordinance include renovations & alter existing structures?

When will the beginning date take place: retroactively or for future construction?

Councilman Sal Lagattuta discussed the need to recuse himself and councilwoman Annette Stendor from the vote because they own property in the area.

Councilman Bruce LaBar suggested having Nelson at a meeting because there were too many questions.

"The original intent was Area A," he said. "But the way things were moving, the rest of the road should be done by April 2015.”

Mayor Jonathan Rose asked if there would be a disadvantage to completing only Area A and not the entire area?

McGovern said since Areas B, C and D are still conceptual, they could be saved for another day.

"I think it's odd for the questions to come up at the 11th hour," Council president Marina Krynicky said after more discussion.

McGovern told the council that Area A is ready for the benefits and the borough has the ability to go forward in that zone.