This bill mandates the Department of Community Affairs to create an inventory of all abandoned properties reported by municipalities and to maintain this information in a Statewide Database. The Department will also collaborate with various state entities to evaluate the potential for these properties to be developed or renovated for affordable housing or inclusionary developments. The bill amends existing law to require public officers in qualified municipalities to identify and maintain an abandoned property list, which must include specific details about each property, such as tax block and lot numbers, and the owner's name and address if known.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for municipalities to notify property owners about their inclusion on the abandoned property list and provides a mechanism for property owners to challenge their property's status. It specifies that properties cannot be listed as abandoned if they are undergoing timely rehabilitation. The bill also establishes procedures for municipalities to communicate with utility companies and the Department of Community Affairs regarding the abandoned property list. The legislation is set to take effect seven months after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55:19-55