Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • April 10. 2013 Mahwah Commercial tax appeals yield multiple refunds by Frank J. McMahon Several tax appeals by the owners of some Mahwah commercial properties have yielded refunds of their property taxes. Harte International Hotels and Resorts Mahwah LP, the owner and taxpayer of the 102-acre Sheraton Mahwah Hotel property, filed tax appeals for 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 against the township. Due to the recent settlement of those appeals, Harte IHR will receive a total of $142,480 from the township. Under that tax appeal settlement, which was recommended by the township’s tax appeal attorney, appraiser, and assessor, the $19,210,000 assessment of this property for 2009 will be reduced to $17,210,000, resulting in a refund of $41,260. The 2010 assessment of $19,210,000 will be reduced to $15,210,000, resulting in a refund of $84,960. The 2011 complaint will be withdrawn, and that assessment of $21,937,000 will remain intact. The 2012 assessment of $21,937,500 will be reduced to $20,937,500, resulting in a refund of $16,260, and the 2013 assessment of $21,937,500 will be reduced to $19,000,000 in the current tax book. The property has been the subject of an ongoing public hearing before the township’s planning board, which involves an application by Crossroads Developers, LLC for site plan approval to build a 600,000 square foot retail center on the site with two big box stores, a 10-plex theater, 200,000 square feet of retail shops along a pedestrian oriented corridor, and an athletic field. The site is located at the intersection of Routes 17 and 287. Another commercial tax appeal that has been settled involves the office building/warehouse property and a vacant lot located at 1595 Macarthur Boulevard which is owned by Botany Associates. As a result of this six-year tax appeal, Botany Associates will receive a total refund of $112,462. Botany filed tax appeals for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, and a settlement was recommended by the township’s tax appeal attorney, appraiser, and assessor. Under that settlement, the 2008 complaint will be withdrawn and the $8,500,000 assessment for that year will remain intact. The 2009 assessment of $8,500,000 will be reduced to $6,285,000, resulting in a refund of $45,695, and the 2010 assessment of $8,500,000 will be reduced to $6,390,000, resulting in a refund of $44,816. The complaint for 2011 will be withdrawn and the assessment of $10,500,000 will remain intact; the 2012 tax assessment will be reduced to $9,350,000, resulting in a refund of $$18,699; and the assessment of $9,500,000 for 2013 will be reduced $9,300,000, resulting in a tax reduction of $3,252. Another tax appeal was filed by the North Brunswick Development Company for its commercial building and property at 370 Franklin Turnpike. As recommended by the township’s tax appeal attorney, appraiser, and assessor, that appeal will be settled by withdrawing the complaint for 2011 and keeping that $3,862,200 assessment intact, reducing the 2012 assessment of $3,863,200 to $3,663,200 for a $3,252 refund, and reducing the 2013 tax assessment from $3,863,200 to $3,600,000 in the tax book. At the township’s current tax rate, the adjusted 2013 assessment would result in a tax reduction of $4,280. Some residential tax appeals are also being settled by the township, with refunds going to those property owners. However, the township has filed a tax court complaint against one residential property, the Crocker Mansion at 675 Ramapo Valley Road, seeking to increase the $6,487,000 assessment for 2013 so the assessment can be determined according to fair market value. Brian Campion, the township administrator, advised that these tax refunds are either included in this year’s budget or have been anticipated in previous budgets. Early pool registrants get discounts Registration for the Township of Mahwah Municipal Pool is open. This season, there have been no increases in pool membership rates, and residents who sign up now through April 30 will enjoy reduced rates. Beginning May 1, general rates will be charged. Mahwah residents may join the pool early for $295 per large family, $125 per individual, and $45 for seniors or disabled residents. Small families may join early for $125 per person. Fees for non-residents are $450 for large families, $225 for individuals, and $225 per person for small families. Children age two and under are admitted free. Pool users who are under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Applications are are available at the municipal building at 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah. Individuals may also call (201) 529-1265 to have a form mailed to their home. Pool members may bring guests to the pool for an additional $10 per guest on weekdays, and $10 per child and $15 per adult on weekends. Mahwah residents who are not pool members are encouraged to use the pool on weekdays for a gate fee of $10. Mahwah seniors may use the pool for a gate fee of $5 per senior. Day-use and guests will be limited at the discretion of the manager. The pool facilities will open May 25 at 11:30 a.m. Membership cards will be issued at the gate. An ID is needed to pick up a card. Cards will not be mailed. After Memorial Day weekend, the pool will open on sunny Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., and full days on weekends. Residents who are not members may swim on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. for a fee of $5. Special parties and events may be scheduled two weeks prior to the event for $8 per person. Full weekday operations will begin after Mahwah schools close in June. The pool closes on Labor Day. Mahwah’s facilities include three pools, a main 25-meter pool with diving, a 40-foot pool, and a wading pool. All are continuously chlorinated and tested. There are picnic areas with grills, a playground, volleyball, a covered patio with food service, shade structures, locker rooms, and showers. The main pool has been freshly painted and has new diving stands and diving boards. The pool is located at 700 Darlington Avenue in Mahwah. For more information, call (201) 529-4949.