Mosquera, Reynolds-Jackson, Wimberly Issue Joint Statement on Bill Creating Interactive Database and Map Illustrating Foreclosures in New Jersey

(TRENTON) – As part of a comprehensive effort to solve the state’s residential foreclosure crisis, Assembly Democrats Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), and Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) released the following joint statement Wednesday regarding a bill, of which they are primary sponsors, that would require the Department of Community Affairs to create a database featuring an interactive map graphically illustrating foreclosed properties in New Jersey.

The bill (A-5000) was part of a 9-bill legislative package released during a joint meeting of the Assembly Housing and Community Development and Financial Institutions and Insurance Committees to develop a solutions-driven strategy in response to New Jersey’s residential foreclosure crisis:

“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.”