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Ventnor Commission renews five-year tax-abatement program, citing housing and long-term ratables
Summary
The Ventnor City Commission unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025‑020 to renew a five-year exemption and abatement program for residential redevelopment, with officials saying the policy helps replace blighted housing and increases long-term tax value despite short-term tax reductions.
Ventnor City commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 9 to adopt Ordinance 2025‑020, reestablishing a five-year exception and abatement program intended to encourage demolition of blighted homes and redevelopment in the city’s older neighborhoods.
The ordinance, approved by roll call after a brief public hearing with no speakers, renews a scheme under which new home improvements receive a five-year 30% abatement on the improvement value; land taxes remain fully due. The commission noted the program was originally adopted after Superstorm Sandy to speed removal and replacement of damaged properties.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the abatement helps modernize an aging housing stock and, over the long term, increases the city’s ratables. “We looked at the long haul, and that’s what we’re here to do,” Commissioner Langrath said during workshop discussion.
Tax assessor’s explanation: The city’s tax assessor explained the program’s mechanics: when an old house is demolished it is assessed as land-only for that tax year; after construction finishes, the improvement is added and receives a 30% abatement on the improvement value for five years, meaning owners pay roughly 70% of the added improvement tax for five full years while continuing to pay the full land tax. “If you knock down your house in December, it comes back [as land-only] on the books for the year,” the assessor said.
Opposition or reservations: Commissioners acknowledged misconceptions that abated properties pay no taxes. Officials said those concerns are misplaced because land taxes continue and the improvement is taxed, even with the abatement. Commissioner Mento said he and a colleague reviewed five years of data and saw “significant benefits” to the program.
Procedure and vote: The hearing was opened and closed after no members of the public spoke on the ordinance. The commission then adopted Ordinance 2025‑020 by roll call: Commissioner Langrath — yes; Commissioner Mento — yes; Mayor Creville — yes.
What happens next: With the ordinance adopted, redevelopment projects seeking the five-year improvement abatement can proceed under the program rules; staff and applicants will follow existing permitting and assessment procedures.
