A number of households in Mount Holly, New Jersey have received letters containing residential appraisals appointments. The home inspections are part of the process of eminent domain launched by the township in an effort to take control of the residential properties located in a redevelopment zone whose owners have refused to sell.
The letters were sent to 57 property owners, most of whom are Hispanic or African Americans, telling them to expect a visit from an appraiser who will work on determining the value of their properties. Several residents have revealed that they were surprised by the decision of the township. Some have also stated that they were not given any warning about the eminent domain.
The redevelopment program will affect a commercial area and 500 residences in Mount Holly Gardens. Most of the properties have already been acquired and demolished by the township, but none of those properties were acquired through eminent domain.
Meanwhile, lawyers who represent the township have stated that the official eminent domain process has been started on some of the remaining homes and properties. They revealed that the process requires them to hold residential appraisals, after which negotiations and offers for the properties will follow.
The entire Gardens neighborhood was declared a redevelopment zone by the township council in 2002. Council officials have claimed that the move was prompted by the high crime rates in the area and the blight that encompasses the neighborhood. However, lawyers who represent the residents have asserted that the news came without warning and that most of the residents who will be affected by the redevelopment had no idea that the procedure of eminent domain has already started.
They further added that up until May 2010, the township gave no indication that the process is already underway. On the contrary, lawyers for the residents have asserted that the council had indicated that they are only proceeding with the first phase and that only those lands adjacent to residential properties will be affected.
Homeowners’ legal counsels have also explained that, should homeowners refuse to sell their homes and properties during the negotiations that will be held once the residential appraisals are completed, township authorities can immediately take over the properties under the power of eminent domain.
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