Caliguire calls for a moratorium on large scale EnCap-style developments

Moratorium would cover similar large-scale developments in Bergen County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DANIEL MILLER // 201-394-7641

HACKENSACK - Bergen County Republican Organization endorsed candidate for County Executive, Todd Caliguire, has called for a moratorium on large-scale development throughout Bergen County, such as the EnCap project, and called on his two liberal opponents - Kathe Donovan and Dennis McNerney to join him.

"The EnCap project will increase local property taxes, increase traffic congestion, mandates low income housing units and now will require eminent domain abuse to accomplish its goals. This project needs to be halted," said Caliguire.

"It is clear that public officials who have supported EnCap have failed to take account of the true costs to the local communities. Therefore, I believe that intensive state, county and local reviews, with local input should occur before any further action takes place on this project."

The EnCap project, along with other development proposals in the Meadowlands region were initially sold as a panacea for old-growth, suburban South Bergen towns seeking to improve their communities and boost their ratables. However, the size and scope of the EnCap project has changed several times; most notably, high density housing units have been added to initial plans.

"This project is out of control. What was supposed to improve communities in South Bergen has morphed into something that is threatening to ruin them. It is clear that better oversight is required," Caliguire continued.

"I also believe each community in Bergen County should hold a referendum on large scale projects, particularly those requiring the use of eminent domain. The combination of over development and government taking of private property simply to pursue additional tax ratables is very dangerous to property owners. It is not just unfair, it is un-American and needs to stop," added Caliguire.

"While I am calling on my two opponents to join me, I doubt they will do so. Dennis McNerney and the Bergen Democratic Organization's pay-to-play operation is funded in no small part by these developers, while Kathe Donovan's chief political backer, Alan Marcus has long represented clients seeking to develop the Meadowlands. Neither one offers much hope to homeowners seeking relief from these abusive practices," stated Caliguire.