By Anthony J. Machcinski
A legal battle between Kearny and Lyndhurst over a late payment owed by Lyndhurst to the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission has been settled.
“Once (the payment) was made, we withdrew the complaint,” said Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos.
The NJMC is a zoning and planning agency for a 30.4-square-mile area along the Hackensack River. The NJMC extends into parts of 14 towns in Bergen and Hudson Counties, including Kearny, Lyndhurst, and North Arlington.
The NJMC was created in order to manage and preserve open spaces, especially the wetlands, in the areas along the Hackensack River.
According to the current tax formula, certain lands are designated for commercial development, industrial use, and open space. Towns with land designated for open space receive money from the NJMC. Kearny, according to Mayor Santos, is one of the biggest recipients from the NJMC because of the amount of land designated for open space. When Lyndhurst didn’t pay, one of the towns hurt most was Kearny.
Santos believes that Lyndhurst’s refusal was a protest to find other ways to fund the NJMC. Lyndhurst is one of the seven towns that, under the current tax formula, are forced to pay into a fund that is divided between seven other towns.
“Even though Kearny is a recipient, I’m open to finding other sources of payment,”
Mayor Santos explained.
“I’m open to looking to other revenue sources, but the law remains the same. We will continue to enforce our payments that are due us.”
Despite this late payment, Mayor Santos is optimistic that this will not be a recurring issue.
“I would hope that if the law does not change, that this kind of non-payment won’t recur,” explained Santos.
Mayor Richard DiLascio and Commissioner Brian Haggerty, both of Lyndhurst, were unavailable for comment before press time.
Through these issues, Mayor Santos looks to help all parties involved and bring a mutual solution to these problems.
“I’m going to make sure Kearny is going to receive what it is due,” Santos began. “However, if the burden is going to be taken off of Secaucus and Lyndhurst, I’d work with them to help them. I think it’s going to be a challenge to do, but I expect them to see if they can find something that works.
