Caldwell Councilman To County: Focus On Tax Relief, Not Zoo

CALDWELL, NJ — It’s time for the county to pump the brakes on spending at an already-superb zoo, a Caldwell councilman says.

Jonathan Lace of Caldwell sent a letter to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. on Wednesday, asking his fellow Democratic Party member to focus on tax relief instead of an $8 million proposed amphitheater at the zoo.

Recently, the county-managed zoo has seen vocal pushback – and support – for several proposed expansion projects within its borders, including an amphitheater/stage with a 150,000-gallon pool and a new bear exhibit with an estimated price tag of $16 million.

• See related article: Fight Continues Over Expansion At Turtle Back Zoo In NJ
• See related article: Amphitheater At Turtle Back Zoo: 'Education' Or 'Overspending?'

Supporters of the expansion, including DiVincenzo, have insisted the additions are needed to help the zoo continue its mission of education and conservation. An online petition started by docents at the zoo has gained more than 1,400 signatures in favor of building the new amphitheater.

But opponents have questioned the need for more spending at the zoo, especially as property taxes continue to slam local homeowners still reeling from the recent federal changes to their SALT deductions.

Lace wrote to DiVincenzo:

“I trust this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer weather. I am writing to express my thanks to you for allowing the borough to place a much-needed crosswalk across Central Avenue to connect the municipal streets of Wakefield Place and Central Place in Caldwell. This will greatly improve pedestrian safety in our borough.

“I'm also writing to express my concern over the proposed $8,000,000 amphitheater at the Turtle Back Zoo. Governor Phil Murphy has suspended the $4,000,000 in state aid that was to be used to offset the projected cost in response to the FY 2019-2020 state budget. Taxpayers in New Jersey have been particularly impacted by the loss of the SALT deductions on their federal tax returns. For many residents in Caldwell, this change has increased their taxable income, raising their tax rates significantly. In our FY 2019-2020 budget, the Borough of Caldwell raised taxes by 4.8% out of necessity to improve our infrastructure, provide adequate staffing, and maintain responsible savings.

“These were necessities. No resident that has spoken to me about the proposed amphitheater believes it to be a necessity, and many are distressed over what they consider to be superfluous taxes to improve an already-amazing Turtle Back Zoo experience for Essex County residents. At a time when federal government has limited our ability to deduct our state and local taxes, and when the latter have been raised out of necessity, I do not believe that the timing is right to proceed on the construction of a new amphitheater at the Turtle Back Zoo, however worthwhile such an endeavor certainly is for educational purposes.

“I am requesting that you place the proposed amphitheater development at the Turtle Back Zoo on hold until both our SALT deductions can be restored and until the state aid can be secured.

“Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”

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