§ 55:19-80 — Definitions relative to abandoned property.

3. As used in sections 1 through 25 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 through C.55:19-102) and section 3 of P.L.2006, c.24 (C.55:19-107): "Department" means the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. "Lienholder" or "mortgage holder" means any person or entity holding a note, mortgage or other interest secured by the building or any part thereof. "Municipality" means any city, borough, town, township or village situated within the boundaries of this State and shall include a qualified rehabilitation entity that may be designated by the municipality pursuant to section 13 of P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-90) to act as its agent to exercise any of the municipality's rights pursuant thereto. "Owner" means the holder or holders of title to an abandoned property. "Property" means any building or structure and the land appurtenant thereto. "Public officer" means the person designated by the municipality pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1942, c.112 (C.40:48-2.5) or any officer of the municipality qualified to carry out the responsibilities set forth in P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.) and designated by resolution of the governing body of the municipality, except that in municipalities organized under the "mayor-council plan" of the Optional Municipal Charter Law, P.L.1950, c.210 (C.40:69A-1 et seq.), the public officer shall be designated by the mayor. "Qualified rehabilitation entity" means an entity organized or authorized to do business under the New Jersey statutes which shall have as one of its purposes the construction or rehabilitation of residential or non-residential buildings, the provision of affordable housing, the restoration of abandoned property, the revitalization and improvement of urban neighborhoods, or similar purpose, and which shall be well qualified by virtue of its staff, professional consultants, financial resources, and prior activities set forth in P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et al.) to carry out the rehabilitation of vacant buildings in urban areas. "Utility" means any electric or natural gas public utility that is regulated under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities. L.2003,c.210,s.3; amended 2005, c.118, s.12; 2006, c.24, s.2.