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More on real estate "McMansion's"

By T. Christopher Hill

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX TRICOUNTY

April 20, 2007 04:37 AM

A few weeks back I ran a post about the use of the word "McMansion" and how it was not a word I had ever heard a Real Estate Professional use in their daily business.Its mostly a negative term. Now one of our local municipalities is using this made up word to restrict the rights of property owners who wish to expand and improve THEIR OWN HOME !! This is wrongful use of unnecessary laws that infringe on one of our most basic rights to own and improve our property. Below is a reprint on the basics of this new ordinance as reportes by our Mercer County Association of Realtors.

Lawrence Township Passes Ordinance Aimed at Limiting McMansions

On Tuesday, March 6, the Lawrence Township Council passed an ordinance limiting the size of new homes and additions to existing houses. The goal of the ordinance is to prevent the building or renovating of homes that overwhelm the neighborhood in size-an issue that has become of great concern in many older communities in Mercer County.

Under the new formula, newer homes cannot contain more than twice the average living space of existing homes in the neighborhood. The rule specifically targets vacant lots in three residential zoning districts south of Route 95, including R3, R4, and R5. New houses built in these districts, for example, would reach a maximum size of approximately 3,000 square feet.

In addition, the ordinance dictates that additions and renovations to existing homes cannot exceed 40 percent of the pre-existing square footage of the living area. The current average living area on a standard lot is about 1,500 square feet. For more information about the ordinance, contact Lawrence Zoning Officer Chris Budzinzki at 609-844-7076 or Cbudzinski@lawrencetwp.com

More abuse of power from a local government reducing the rights of the property owner who pays the taxes !!

Relocating to Mercer County ?

If you are Relocating to the Greater Mercer County Area, are looking for Homes for Sale in Mercer County and need help from a Professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Robbinsville, West Windsor, Washington Twp., Hamilton in Mercer County. Along with Mercerville, Yardville , Hightstown East Windsor, Ewing twp .,Princeton Jct., also In Mercer. Millstone, Upper freehold, Allentown and the surrounding Monmouth County communities. In Burlington County towns such as Chesterfield, Mansfield, Bordentown Twp and City and the other near by communities.

I can be contacted thru 24 Hour Voice -Mail at 609-587-9300 x 318 or email at chrishill@remax.net , www.RobbinsvilleRealEstate.net/ar cell 609-575-6323

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Brad Patshkowski

Heritage Home Loans a division of Mann Mortgage LLC - Spokane Valley, WA

Home Loans Spokane, WA

I feel compeled to use that word...but I really don't think I will...I don't want to be considered gaudy as most developements that are going up in my city of Spokane. I get the meaning though and you have to admit...it is kind of true.

Apr 20, 2007 04:44 AM

Gregory Anderson

United Country - Fredericksburg, TX

Planning and zoning regulations are an effective tool when applied reasonably.

However, when applied unreasonably, the regulations become just another form of social engineering.

Apr 20, 2007 04:51 AM

Christopher Benedict

BIG Realty - Collegeville, PA

AskTheBigGuy

Finally, my prayers have been answered! Everyone blames the builder, but I always say, don't blame the builder, blame the township for allowing huge homes to be built on teeny weeny lots!

Apr 20, 2007 04:56 AM

Christina Ethridge

The North Idaho Dream Team powered by SKE Realty Group - Coeur d'Alene, ID

I agree with Gregory - what a ridiculous way to press personal opinions on other people's actions.

Apr 20, 2007 05:47 AM

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