Most of the lots are either too wet or too small to be of value, except to neighbors.
By: Al Wicklund
JAMESBURG Twenty-five borough-owned lots, all smaller than the minimum size required for development or on wetlands, are scheduled to be to be sold at a public auction.
The Borough Council Wednesday adopted a resolution authorizing the sale at Borough Hall 10 a.m. Oct. 19.
Mayor Tony LaMantia said the properties owned by the borough serve no purpose. Most are too small for anything to be constructed on them. Some are wetlands and can’t be used for building, he said.
"Lots that are sold will be returned to the tax rolls and provide some minimal added revenue for the borough," the mayor said.
He said the land could be of interest to those who have lots bordering the borough properties and want to add to their lots
In fact, according to the Borough Council’s resolution, the owners of contiguous properties will be given preference, or, the right of first refusal.
Borough Attorney Fred Raffetto said, if several persons with properties contiguous to the same lot are interested in acquiring the lot, the borough will conduct a "mini auction" among those persons.
Borough Administrator Denise Jawidzik said she has no information as to how the borough obtained the lots.
"They’ve been on the books as borough property since year one," she said.
Ms. Jawidzik said, the pieces of land probably fell into the borough’s care long before current land and zoning laws were in effect.
The lots range in size from one measuring 160 by 148 feet on William Street and 133 by 127 on Franklin Street to 25 by 25 on Worth Street.
Worth Street has four lots that will be for sale. Those with two lots each are Michael, William, Reade and East Church streets.
Other streets with single lots are New Street, Pergola Avenue, Forge Street, Cavour Avenue, Mendoker Drive, East Railroad Avenue, Franklin Street, Gatzmer Avenue, West Railroad Avenue, Woodland Avenue, Forsgate Drive, Sherman Street and Stockton Avenue.
Those wishing more information about any of the lots should contact Ms. Jawidzik at the borough administrator’s office in Borough Hall, 131 Perrineville Road.

