I did a search on both "reval" and "revaluation" so yes, really.

The tax assessment is supposed be based on lot size and location. Interior improvements are a factor in the valuation or a property when sold but is not a factor in valuation for city tax purposes. At least its not supposed to be.

Does this mean that as the flooding continues to increase year to year in JC due to a failing conjoined sewer system, making my basement unusable, my taxes will go down?

Oh yeah... forgot to mention one more thing.

If you are a landlord and have rentals on your property this "private firm" will also want you to disclose personal financial information.

For a property tax revaluation? Only in JC...

Is there not already a Topic concerning this? if so I apologize but I couldn't find one.

In case you live under a rock, you probably already know that Jersey City plans a property revaluation this year. If you are a property owner you will receive a letter stating that a private firm has been contracted to conduct the revaluation.

This firm will want to enter your property and take photographs that will go on record. The letter will also list a number at the bottom to "call with any questions or concerns": 201 547 4597

A few things I would like people to know and a few points i think should be discussed:

1) Dont bother with the number. IF you get through they have no answers for you and will tell you to call the company hired for the reval.

2) Why are they taking picture of the property interior? Tax assessment is supposed to be based on lot size and location. If people have invested in fixing up their property why in the world would you penalize them with higher taxes?

3) Do YOU trust a private firm to keep a database of property interiors on record? How tight is their security?

4) And finally, does anyone really think their property tax will go down as a result? Really?

When this came out (and we do know the family socially) I told my wife that I thought it would end up being a homeless guy who was carrying a knife and randomly trying to break and enter apartments.

The same scenario happened to my wife who was home alone and pregnant at the time. Luckily my wife hid and called the police who arrived promptly and caught the intruder leaving my building with my toolbox in hand (we were renovating... its a long story).

Anyway, the fact is that you can sympathize with the plight of the homeless all you want. But when you have a desperate man who is capable of violence living on the streets, or a man who is so caught up in drug and/or alcohol abuse that he is deranged... then you have a public menace. And ignoring that because you feel that somehow it's society's fault or it could "happen to anyone" is just plain stupid.

If this guy is convicted they should give him a thousand dollars cash and lock him in a room with a much bigger convict who has a large knife. Then tell the armed convict that he can have the cash and his freedom... all he has to do is take it.