Guide Me Home to North Jersey

Since declines in home prices have resulted in increased appeals for property assessments, both Mendham Borough and Mendham Township have done a reassessment of all properties.

The result should be greater fairness for all residents. However, lower assessments do not mean lower taxes. A new tax rate will be established by the middle of the year, and the expectation is that the average tax bill will be no lower, and will probably be modestly higher. The total cost of running government and schools tends to increase each year, and that cost has to be apportioned.

The deadline has passed for appeals of the new assessments directly to the firm that did the work. However, appeals to the county, which normally must be filed by April 1st, can be filed up to May 1st.

Posted by:Brian Hays

Unless your idea of a weekend home involves a beach, a long drive and a high price tag, western New Jersey has much to offer you. A weekend Victorian home invokes summers of old, with beautiful gardens, lemonade and backyard picnics.

There are two old homes of note, built in 1847 and 1880 respectively, in Peapack-Gladstone and Mendham Township that are currently on the market. Both are under $700,000. The homes are easily accessible from Manhattan. You could leave and be home in New Jersey in time for dinner in a great country restaurant, even on a Friday night.

The first, in Peapack Gladstone, has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and sits on .25 acres. The kitchen is renovated and the home is in move-in condition. Peapack is known for its shops, restaurants and parks. The home is within walking distance from the train station and the property slopes down to a stream.

The second, in Mendham Township, has 2 bedrooms, a family room, a full bath and sits on 5.06 acres. There are possibilities for expansion or a pool. The views from the back of the house look out onto a beautiful rolling lawn. The home is close to Mendham shops, restaurants and Jockey Hollow Park.

Make it a day and also checkout all the areas’ summer activities! Don’t miss the Tewksbury Barn Tour on July 19, the Chester Peach Festival and Country Auction on August 1, or the Somerset County 4-H Fair on August12-14.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto