Real estate values are the one thing in JC that works and are improving. It's sure not schools or tax rates under Mayor Stevie Wonder. Great timing with this answer in search of a serious question to help gum that up and slow things down. When you're buying or selling a property time is of the utmost importance to you and the parties in on the deal. The city government will slow things waaaaay down. They don't care about your deal. Ask yourself for YOU -- do you want the privilege of paying the city $150 while you wait with no way to expedite the process.
I read the plan and there is nothing about the law breakers they find. They want to soak you for $150 but nothing about the building inspectors who have been looking the other way through green colored glasses. Nothing about paying back the city for illegal rent you've been collecting when found out. Are punishments for those just something to be waived depending on who it is and if they do city business? Are fines on a sliding scale?
Nothing about punishing the rulebreakers, Same as it ever was. No mention of taking a portion of all the money siphoned from homeowners being put back in to actual code enforcement and busting these places to begin with. Easier to lose money into a general fund if you don't set strict rules.
Smells like a money grab to Johnny.
Key point there, turning your important deadlines over to city workers.
Look, we like Mr. Ramchal, he does love his city, but this is two proposals he's come up with that look like a solution in search of a problem. Jersey City homes ALREADY go through an inspection for a certificate of occupancy. You yourself get to go through the property and demand changes be made before you buy. You may also report these illegal landlords to the city yourself. Where oh where is the Jersey City compliance office in all this? Like Johnny pointed out, this proposal does nothing to help fund those going after people who set up these illegal apartments.
This is one of those votes we're taking names on, Jersey City Council, if and when City Planning gets done with this, be forewarned.
UPDATE -- This is going to city planning as mentioned down further in the article, then most likely to City Council. The headline could have been clearer.
