PRESS RELEASE

A Facebook post that included a screenshot and a website link to Costanzarealestate.com revealed Neil Carroll (listed under his legal name Cornelius) as a realtor associate for Costanza Realtors. Within an hour of that post, Neil Carroll’s name, photo, cell phone and email contact were removed from the website.

According to the National Association of Realtors, Neil Carroll is listed under his legal name Cornelius as a realtor associate. A NJDOBI licensee search confirmed his license to be inactive since July 15, 2019.

Let’s assume Constanza Realtors simply forgot to update their website until today. It does not erase Neil’s history with that agency or the fact that he was a licensed real estate agent up until 3 months ago.

Ben Costanza is the owner and Broker of Record for Costanza Realtors, and also serves as Carroll’s campaign manager. Ben Costanza also served as an aide to Mayor Davis in early 2018 where he was responsible for working on economic development issues and business relations.

Carroll’s Financial Disclosure Statement which was filed under his nickname Neil on April 8, 2019 required him to list the name and address of each source of income, earned and unearned, in excess of $2,000. The only jobs shown were the Bayonne Board of Education (teacher) and the General Assembly of NJ (aide). The obvious answer as to why Carroll did not disclose his realtor position is that he did not meet the threshold to report, but his status as an agent should not have been a secret.

The resume which Carroll submitted for the First Ward council seat failed to mention his real estate license or association with Costanza Realtors. Since being appointed councilman in November 2018, Carroll has voted to authorize numerous redevelopment studies and final site plans, and subsequently approved at least 8 PILOT agreements (payment in lieu of taxes).

Carroll’s status as a realtor was active for 8 months while simultaneously serving as city councilman. The potential for conflict with a realtor in his position is concerning given that the Davis Administration only has one agenda: redevelopment. Realtors stand to benefit a great deal from Neil’s position on the council as he approves more and more new apartments that will eventually need to be rented out.

Carroll’s campaign contribution report shows that the majority of his donations came from others who will similarly benefit including other realtors, developers, and their attorneys.

This is yet another example of why we need people on the city council that will understand and respect the need for transparency in local government.