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Eric Goldman tells Glen Ridge council revaluation notices are producing sharp tax increases for some residents
Summary
Resident Eric Goldman told the council during public comment that recent revaluation letters show local property-tax increases of 9%–25% for some households and urged town outreach and a possible town-hall to help residents appeal assessments and understand the process.
Eric Goldman, a Glen Ridge resident who gave his address as 25 Doreen Street, told the borough council during the meeting’s public-comment period that recent revaluation letters are producing sharp, painful changes in property-tax bills.
"I got my letter from the company, and it said that my taxes are going up 9%," Goldman said. He told the council that neighbors have reported increases of 10% and one of 25%, and that some online accounts said tax bills rose by $5,000 or more. "Wild swings like this ... this is very real pain," he said, and asked officials to engage the community and consider a town-hall to explain the appeals process.
Mayor (presiding) acknowledged the affordability problem and said the revaluation was ordered by the county and has affected several Essex County towns. The mayor said the borough had published multiple follow-up communications by email and social media after revaluation letters were sent and that staff have fielded calls and offered "one-on-one assistance" for residents with questions.
"If you have specific questions, we can share your information with Mike and our assessor and then you can handle a little bit more online," the mayor said, offering a case‑by‑case review rather than a detailed public discussion for confidential assessment matters.
Borough administration representative Kelly echoed that the reassessment changes reflect shifting market values across residential and commercial segments and encouraged residents to make appointments with the appraisal company or the assessor and to pursue appeals when appropriate.
Goldman said he had met with the company and planned to hire an appraiser to appeal his assessment but renewed his request that the borough reach out proactively so residents know they can seek help. Officials said they will continue one‑on‑one outreach, and said they would consider a town-hall if more residents request a public forum.
What's next: officials recommended that residents who received revaluation notices contact the assessor for case-specific review; the borough said it had already posted information online and would continue to field calls and individual appointments.
