By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG — For months borough officials have been discussing the economic woes plaguing local homeowners.
In an effort to empower residents, officials are hosting their first Mortgage Crisis Forum. The forum will have a panel of experts, who will address any number of housing and finance options, said Brenda Deans, borough councilwoman and chairwoman of the Homeowner Relations Committee.
”There are people at their end, where they don’t know what to do,” she said. “The object is to get people out there, to see what’s out there for help.”
Officials are hoping that by taking a broad-range approach, providing view points from community banks, mortgage brokers, or the local, county, state and federal government, they will offer residents the solutions or resources that fit their needs, according to a press release.
Topics that experts will cover include pre-foreclosures, stressed and stretched homeowners, reverse mortgages and bankruptcy.
”You’ve got folks that are filing for bankruptcy, and maybe they have to and maybe they don’t,” Ms. Deans said. “I just want people to be educated. At least if they know, this will get them in the right direction.”
According to the release, the forum will begin with some informative presentations by panelists, followed by a question-and-answer period and at the end of the event, participants will have the chance for some one-on-one time with these experts.
The panelists should include New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency representatives, Angelo Leggio, a branch manager for the community bank Amboy Bank; Robert Gough, president of Corinthian Capital Group, a licensed mortgage broker; and Patricia Colligan, an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
Although the forum was initially geared toward Jamesburg residents, borough officials recently decided to open the venue to the public, inviting neighboring communities and their residents to the event.
”It’s not just a problem in Jamesburg, it’s a problem all around here,” Ms. Deans said. “If this can help anyone, we want them to come.”
The forum is set for March 28 at 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. at the Borough Hall, 131 Perrineville Road. Organizers will have light refreshments, door prizes and give-aways for participants. For more information contact Ms. Deans at 732-605-0835.

