Gloucester Township Approves Increased Registration Fee For Vacant And Abandoned Homes

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township is entering into a shared services agreement with Camden County to make mortgage companies pay up when it comes to vacant and abandoned properties.

Gloucester Township Council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance on second reading to join into the shared services agreement with the county, which includes a semi-annual registration fee of $500, billed to mortgage companies holding deeds over vacant and abandoned properties.

Previously, the township was in a similar agreement with Gloucester County, according to Gloucester Township Business Administrator Tom Cardis. This was because no contract existed involving Camden County.

Under the Gloucester County agreement, the registration fee was $300. The $200 increase is consistent with surrounding towns and Camden County, according to Gloucester Township Solicitor David Carlamere.

Under the new agreement, a group named Champion will find and bill the mortgage companies. Out of the $500 collected, $300 will go to the township, $100 will go to the county and $100 will go to Champion.

Cardis said the registration fee is semi-annual because mortgages are changing companies frequently, making it difficult to keep track. Billing them every six months, as opposed to one year under the agreement with Gloucester County, makes it easier to keep track of them.

Council unanimously approved the proposal on introduction with a 5-0 vote. Councilwomen Andrea Stubbs and Tracey Trotto were absent due to illness.

Patch file photo