Vineland Property Owners Fighting Redevelopment Taking

Our New Jersey Condemnation Law Blog recently reported how the City of Vineland reduced the threat of eminent domain as part of its redevelopment project, but several property owners who still face the threat of eminent domain have announced their intentions to protect their property interests. 

 Joseph and Joanne Marghella, owners of the properties that house Crown Chicken and D.T.P. Auto Sound, vowed recently in an interview to fight the redevelopment designation and Vineland’s right to take their properties.  Vineland has stated that eminent domain is a last resort to be used only if negotiations with property owners fail, but the Marghellas argue that they are being forced into a negotiation that they never wanted.

Meanwhile, Jose and Hilda Matta purchased the Adamo Feed Store with the hopes of opening a bakery at the South East Street location.  Their property is located one block south of the Marghella’s property.  They have decided not to challenge the redevelopment designation, but  in seeking just compensation have rejected the redeveloper’s initial offer as grossly below fair market value for the property, and are awaiting a more realistic offer based on the recent settlements that have been reached on other properties in the redevelopment area.

 More information about the Vineland Redevelopment project can be found in The Daily Journal

McKirdy & Riskin’s   Joseph Grather and Cory K. Kestner represent property owners Jose and Hilda Matta in this matter.