Open Space: What it Means to You & Your Wallet

By Jimmy Esposito www.jimmyesposito.com

Candidate for New Jersey General Assembly, 30th District

In discussions with voters about preserving Open Space, Farms, and Green Acres, I have found that there is a lot of misinformation. Many people have the impression that preservation lowers tax revenue, when the facts point otherwise. Preserving Open Space plays an important role in lowering property taxes and creating jobs. Here’s why:

Municipal Taxes:

Property tax increases that result from conservation are minimal, since payments in lieu of taxes usually offset much of the loss in the tax base. Tax payments are, in fact, required for many types of conservation land. The Federal Government makes payment “in lieu of taxes” for their conservation land.

Cost of Development:

Fact: In sharp contrast to residential development, conservation land generally pays more taxes than it requires in town services.

Property Values:

Property values are likely to increase when Open Space is conserved. This allows towns to increase its revenue without adding additional services and infrastructure.

Tourism and Recreation:

Conservation land is a key component of outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in New Jersey. Nationally, half of all vacationers participate in some “nature-based” activity and visiting parks, hiking, exploring preserved areas, and wildlife viewing are top-ranked nature-based activities.

Additionally, wildlife-related activities contribute more than one billion dollars to New Jersey’s economy. This industry is directly linked to the availability to conservation land.

Business Relocation:

Businesses are attracted to areas that are clean and have available parks and recreation for their employees who may relocate with them.

The Challenge:

Anti-conservation voices have been effective at slowing or stopping land conservation. In Lakewood, New Jersey – the town where I reside – is a prime example of what can happen if these voices continue to win. Traffic congestion, overcrowding, diminished services, and budget deficits can be linked directly to our failure to conserve.

The Solution:

We need to have an effective Open Space program. Let’s work together to ensure that our children are able to enjoy the quality of life with which we have grown accustom in Monmouth and Ocean Counties

www.jimmyesposito.com