In a February 23, 2010 Star-Ledger article by Brent Johnson, Mayor John McCormac was credited with the following statement about Centra, a four-story office complex in Metropark:
“McCormac said Centra will eventually be a major source of tax revenue for the state’s sixth-largest town, but he’s not sure how for much and when.”
On May 5, 2011, Tom Haydon of the Star-Ledger wrote an article covering the opening of the redeveloped Centra.
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In the 15 or so months after the initial groundbreaking ceremony, McCormac said that "the project will be a renewed source of tax revenue.”
It is no secret tax ratables in Woodbridge Township have been dropping; by some accounts, 30 percent or so in the past year. So it is good to see a development like Centra coming into town. The question is, however, how much of a ratable is Centra for the township?
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Based on McCormac’s statements, it seems to be an uncertainty. Did John McCormac give Centra a tax break to come to Woodbridge, and if so, how much and for how long?
How much will it cost the township in infrastructure upkeep with added traffic and other related costs to have Centra in Woodbridge, until they start paying their full share of taxes? Until they do, will the current businesses and property owners in the township have to bear Centra's tax break? If McCormac cut Centra a tax break, the answer is YES.
Taxes in Woodbridge have gone up every year of the McCormac administration, and property owners and businesses are tired of it. Reportedly, McCormac is putting more taxes on the existing business in the township in order not to further antagonize home owners. A smart move for McCormac and his town council members who have to stand for election in November! But what is that ploy doing to businesses in the township? Just ask a struggling business owner!
At a time when the township should be concerned with lowering tax burdens on businesses and home owners, why is the McCormac administration speeding millions of taxpayer dollars for miniature golf courses, skate board parks, and paving the parking lots of private clubs like the Hungarian Club?
What is your opinion on McCormac‘s spending policies?
