Pennacchio: Hands off Greystone Open Space

Morris Plains, NJ -- Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) is calling on the administration to protect currently owned state land rather than raising another tax.

Democrat Senators have expressed their intentions to impose a new water tax on New Jersey residents. The new water consumption fee would cost taxpayers an additional $0.40 per thousand gallons of water delivered per household to finance new Green Acres and farmland preservation purchases.

Senator Pennacchio questioned, "Why at a time when the state is in a financial crisis would the administration impose yet another tax on the State's already over burdened residents rather than preserving currently owned State open space?"

It appears that the State is trying to sell an excess portion of land at the old Greystone Hospital. This land, currently owned by the state, is protected by State law which explicitly entrusts the State to preserve this land.

"It seems hypocritical to me that the administration claims to be advocates of open space, yet they are currently trying to sell open space for a profit. At the same time the Democrats hope to impose another tax on New Jersey residents to pay for open space. It does not make sense. What's next – a tax on air? Haven't the taxpayers already had enough?" concluded Pennacchio.