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Is COVID-19 “Shutdown” Compensation Due Under Disaster Control Act? And Who Gets To Decide?

by: Joseph Grather
5 Nov 2020
An interesting case arose in our home vicinage – Morris & Sussex – involving a small business owner’s challenge to Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 “shutdown” orders. JWC Fitness v. Governor Murphy:  The complaint was filed about a month ago and was subsequently dismissed by Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz on jurisdictional grounds.  Judge Minkowtiz held that jurisdiction... Read More

Tax Court Sides with Municipality in Pursuing Tax Appeal to Increase Assessment

by: Anthony F. Della Pelle
7 Oct 2020
The last few years have brought a dramatic escalation in tax appeals filed by municipalities against commercial property owners seeking to increase assessments and, of course, property taxes.  Municipalities, especially larger cities such as Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth have aggressively pursued such actions, sometimes referred to a “reverse appeals.”  But it was an appeal... Read More

Impacts of COVID-19 on New Jersey Property Taxes

by: Anthony F. Della Pelle
5 Oct 2020
October 1, 2020 represents the date of valuation for New Jersey property tax assessments.  Here’s some info to help you evaluate whether you should consider a property tax appeal: New Jersey real property owners recently received their final 2020 property tax bills, making many property owners wonder about the economic impacts of COVID-19 upon the... Read More

Taxpayer Appeal Upsets Redevelopment Designation in West Orange

by: Joseph Grather
1 Oct 2020
The Appellate Division issued an unpublished opinion on September 11, 2020, in the case of Kevin Malanga v. West Orange. Mr. Malanga is a “resident taxpayer” within the Township of West Orange who appealed the designation of the Essex Green Shopping Center and the Executive Drive Office Park as a non-condemnation “area in need of... Read More

Exemption Status Denied – Where is the Charitable Purpose?

by: Thomas Olson
17 Sep 2020
This recent Tax Court decision by Judge Mark Cimino stems from the plaintiff, Urmajesty Banktruckfit Solutions, Inc. (“Urmajesty”) seeking property tax exemption status on its property. Tax exemption was previously denied by the Tax Assessor which was upheld by the Atlantic County Tax Board. Urmajesty appealed to the Tax Court where it filed its summary... Read More

COVID Eviction Freezes – Who Is Supposed To Pay?

by: Anthony F. Della Pelle
2 Sep 2020
Yesterday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued what is perhaps its most far-reaching order concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.  The order, available here, was not an order concerning travel, immunization, or other health-related concerns tied to the pandemic, but rather an order seeking to halt evictions of residential tenants on a... Read More

Constitutional Implications of COVID-19 and Its Impact Upon Property Rights and Individual Liberties

by: Anthony F. Della Pelle
31 Aug 2020
“Our battle with the pandemic is fluid, presenting issues that evolve and change with each day that passes.” MROD’s Anthony F. DellaPelle authored a recent article for the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation concerning the constitutional implications of the restrictions that have been imposed by various government officials and agencies upon individuals and businesses... Read More

Surviving Spouse Denied Veteran’s Exemption

by: Thomas Olson
25 Aug 2020
This recent Tax Court opinion by Judge Fiamingo involves a Veteran’s Exemption property tax claim available to a surviving spouse pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30(b). As part of her claim, the plaintiff Jacqueline Brown-Carter supplied documentation of proof including proof of marriage to Dirk N. Carter, certificate of death, DD214 indicating his Vietnam War service, and... Read More

Church Loses Interest Awarded on Condemnation Judgment

by: Joseph Grather
24 Aug 2020
I remember long ago, my first case against NJDOT where a judgment awarding constitutional just compensation triggered a duty to pay interest on the award.  I also remember reading “Title 27” (NJDOT statute) and finding the 6% “solution” to my interest problem.  I mentioned the great news to one of the founders of my firm... Read More

In Lengthy Decision, The Tax Court Determines Market Value of Commercial Complex

by: Thomas Olson
20 Aug 2020
This Tax Court opinion by Presiding Judge Andresini pertains to a tax appeal of commercial property in Teaneck consisting of office space, parking garage, vacant land, and a hotel. Both parties had expert appraisers testify to the purported market value of the 24 acres property. Both appraisers utilized the income capitalization method. Plaintiff’s appraiser concluded... Read More