Saying that a complex 30-page bill that has been passed by the state Senate could weaken the authority of private homeowners associations, the Ocean County Board of Freeholders
has joined with two local legislators in opposing the measure.
In a Sept. 18 press release, the freeholders said that on the surface, Senate Bill S-2425 seems to consolidate existing laws concerning common-interest communities, including rules governing the taxation of common property and the effects of eminent domain.
However, the freeholders said they agreed with the concerns of Sen. Christopher J. Connors and Sen. James W. Holzapfel (both R-Ocean) that the bill may also weaken the private associations.
“Many Ocean County private communities, including adult communities, rely on their
homeowners associations to address the unique concerns of each particular development,” Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said.
Vicari said he fears that language buried in the bill would give the state authority to
supersede and overturn decisions made by the local associations.
“Our seniors chose to move into these communities in part because they would have a
strong voice in making local decisions,” Vicari said. “They do not want, nor do they need,
Trenton’s interference in how their neighborhoods are governed.”
The bill has already been approved by the Senate and is awaiting a hearing in an
Assembly committee, according to the press release.
“Our Office of Senior Services has received numerous calls from local senior citizens
concerned about this legislation,” Vicari said. “The opposition to this legislation from the Board of Freeholders and our local legislators will give voice to their objections.”
