Questions remain after this week’s Superior Court decision that struck down a state law giving tax breaks to Atlantic City’s casinos. It’s the second ruling against the PILOT law in recent months. The court ruled that the revamped PILOT law was passed on dubious grounds and violated the state Constitution. Last year, at the request of the casino industry, the state Legislature changed the PILOT — or payment in lieu of property taxes — program, reducing the amount casinos had to pay to Atlantic City and the county. But as the casinos argued for tax relief, the industry was rebounding, according to reporting by The Press of Atlantic City, as part of ProPublica’s Local Reporting Initiative. The Casino Association of New Jersey declined to comment on the ruling. The state is planning to appeal.
Real estate prices soared in recent years in Jersey City, making home ownership unattainable for some residents, but there’s now a program to help. Jersey City is accepting applications for its First Time Homebuyer Program, which helps low- and moderate-income residents buy a home in the city. Jersey City residents who qualify will be entered into a lottery selection process. The city will provide down-payment assistance and closing costs of up to $150,000.
