Verona council debates short‑term tax abatement to spur Bloomfield Avenue renovations

Council members and the township attorney discussed a draft short‑term tax abatement designed to encourage commercial upgrades along Bloomfield Avenue and other commercial corridors. Township Attorney Bridal O'Loyah summarized relevant state statutes and options for phasing and exemptions; she noted commercial improvements can receive a five‑year exemption on increased assessed value, while new commercial construction can be phased (0/20/40/60/80). "So my recommendation is to do it," the attorney said, adding that the township could tailor the ordinance and later amend it as experience dictates.

Members favored a commercial‑first approach and asked for examples and data from neighboring towns. Councilwoman McGrath and others asked administration to compile evidence on whether similar programs produced the intended investments, and to identify safeguards so abatements do not undermine affordable‑housing agreements. Residents in public comment expressed concern about possible conversions to family apartments increasing school enrollment; Mayor Tamborow and staff said planning and zoning approvals — and possible tailored language in the ordinance — could limit or distinguish purely commercial projects from mixed‑use developments.

Council asked staff to prepare a more detailed draft, including options to restrict eligibility by zone (town center, extended town center, C‑2), and to return with examples and fiscal analysis. The manager said the town is also working to publicize zoning changes, create a "doing business in Verona" landing page, and develop a commercial vacancy log to assist targeted outreach and property maintenance enforcement.