Mosquera, Reynolds-Jackson, Wimberly Bill Creating Interactive Database and Map Illustrating Foreclosures in New Jersey, Increasing Certain Recording Fees Approved by Assembly, Now Heads to Governor’s Desk

(TRENTON) – As part of a comprehensive effort to solve New Jersey’s residential foreclosure crisis, a bill requiring the Department of Community Affairs to create a database featuring an interactive map graphically illustrating foreclosed properties in New Jersey, and to increase certain recording fees, cleared the Legislature Monday by a full Assembly vote of 71-0-0.
The measure (A-5000) now heads to the Governor for consideration. It is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), and Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) who released the following joint statement:

“The database and map called for in this bill will help us get a better handle on the residential foreclosure crisis in New Jersey by allowing us to literally see, in real time, where these properties are around the state.  By featuring property information such as location by county; municipality and block number; owner; and legal judgment information, the database will help court officials, county clerks, registers of deeds and mortgages, and sheriff’s officers better view and evaluate foreclosures. Managing this information is critical to dealing with the foreclosure crisis.

“Similarly, the most effective way to obtain a solution for a problem is to have an
in-depth understanding of the problem and its various facets. This bill moves us towards gaining such an understanding.”