Appendix — Bell v. New Jersey
Supreme Court brief1988
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Supreme Court of the United, States —
IN THE
Supreme Court, U.S.
—— FILED
October Term, 1987 MAR 19 108
JOSEPH F. SPANIOL, JR.
CLERK
WESLEY K. BELL, individually and d/b/a
WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CO.,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
vs.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION, an agency of the State of New
Jersey, RUSSELL H. MULLEN, CLARENCE PELL,
VINCENT
MONTEFORTE,
STOLOWSKI and NICKOLAS
Defendants-Appellees.
On APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES COURT OF
APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT.
APPENDIX TO JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT
WESLEY K. BELL
Plaintiff-Appellant, Pro Se
P.O. Box 538
188 Route #72
Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050
(609) 597-3222 or (609) 597-0800
Betavie Times Publishing Co oy es
Ratevie, VY (71 44-2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF APPENDIX.
Page
Order of the Supreme Court of the United States... la
Final Judgment February 19th, 1988 on Mortgage
Foreclosure on Lot 26A Block 145.............. 2a
- D.O.T. Notices to Remove—Parcels #L3E1 & 2 and
I eek ca Vek en oka $665 44004 5-68 5a
Complaint of the United States District Court ..... lla
Opinion Dated April 13th, 1987—New Jersey
Superior Court Appellate Division.............. 133a
Opinion Dated December 11th, 1987—New Jersey
Superior Court Appellate Division.............. 147a
i a sé eau 6 one eeeu sean 15la
EOE OI TE occ cc ccc ccc ccccvcccsesece 155a
ST ET Eg vc wecccecccecenccsnnesses 159a
Deed—Steward to Bell ............. eee e eens 163a
BO RI OD BE on cc ccc ccvccsnccceseccase 167a
I cc cere cc tcvdsesecessneuene 17la
EPO 6c ccc enceconsecvscaseeeesne 175a
I cc accccacscasnceecssesceent 177a
in <0:6.4-6 one bes. denen beccbee 183a
PE I BFE oc cn cance cccscenccnsacccs 185a
i vesa canes nace cena enn anaes 188a
PORTED EMD BIGOT occ ccc cece sccccsscccens 189a
Refusal of Applications 7/29/68 ..............005. 190a
eo UR | TT Tee ee 192a
Notice of Removal 10/21/68 ............... 00 ees 194a
Order to Remove Advertising Copy 10/28/68....... 196a
Pe EE MED ks Sc cccenccctsesscseces 198a
Se SN 5a 5-60-6566. 606556.06060000660485 200a
Order to Remove Advertising Copy 11/26/68....... 201la
Applications Returned 12/5/68..............0006. 202a
Notice of Intent to Condemn 12/5/68 ............. 204a
One of Group of Permit Denials 12/19/68.......... 205a
Page
Notice of Intent to Expand Area of Takings
Ss 6.h05 KA Kah nen anda daskdaanen eee 206a
DG ee 207a
Request Sor Mearine 1WMO/TB. .... occ cccccccccccces 209a
Ue PPE eee ree 210a
Letter from Sterns, Herbert & Weinroth Re:
a Tee eee 212a
a re ere 217a
Notice of Trespass and Removal 4/26/77 .......... 219a
Notice of Removal 1U/B/TT ... cece cc cccccecs 221la
Notion of Mienrtnet DIGITS «nonce ccccscccscncess 223a
Cambemt of Theanine MGBTS. ... occ sccccccscccans 225a
Refusal to Present Witnesses 3/9/78 .............. 227a
Permit Re-Application 10/11/79... ............045: 229a
Refusal to Accept Applications .................. 231la
Statement of Ownership 11/28/79 from Clinton Cronin,
eee eee Ee rr ne 234a
Notice to Remove Copy 1/8/80.................5. 236a
Refusal to Accept Applications 2/5/80 ............ 237a
Report Showing “Blank Sign’”’ 1/5/82 ............. 24la
ATES GE CORI 6 a5 5.0.5 64 euch cenacannataes 243a
Combined Communications Corp. v. City and
County of Denver, Opinion of District Court,
SR A SN rr ee 253a
Opinion of Supreme Court of Colorado, November 3,
RODE. «0.5 on 00nsucdccdccuaueneeeee eas ene 299a
Court Order, 45 Day Notice, May 29, 1969 ........ 313a
Order Dismissing D.O.T. and State No. 77-1531,
Judge Barlow, December 12, 1977.............. 316a
Oral Opinion No. 77-1531, Judge Barlow, March 6,
ee on rrr are 317a
Order of Dismissal No. 77-1531, Judge Barlow,
Diemeh BG. ROTR. on occ ntwnncuneneussttesescas 322a
Opinion of the Court, Third Circuit No. 78-1578,
Suan BE, WORD « «5c vii den0ecadinceassckaves 324a
enon ial MS
Page
Denial—U.S. Supreme Court No. 78-1554, October 1,
Oral Opinion—Judge Ackerman April 25th, 1980... 337a
Partial Dismissal No. 80-531, Judge Ackerman,
6s a aes a6 bbe huss S06 ore 6 we 352a
Oral Opinion—Judge Thompson July 12th, 1982 ... 355a
Order, Lack of Jurisdiction No. 80-2109, July 29,
cule ab blew eNee eae ee ves 365a
Order No. 80-531, Judge Thompson, December 21,
ee ee ae ee oe oe DaenwA te ea 366a
Opinion No. 80-531, Judge Thompson, December 21,
Ne oes da W bits BAe a 4d Kees © ae ee wie 368a
Order for Abandonment—Judge Thompson Parcel
L-2R31D Dated July 20th, 1983 ............... 378a
Order No. 80-531, Judge Thompson, September 28,
te gd wk ow wea 6 ab bees 380a
Opinion No. 80-531, Judge Thompson, September
a he eC pec dence sist ec'ss 382a
State Police Report, September 30, 1983 .......... 40la
Order Denying Stay No. 80-531, October 6,
EE ae ee eee 403a
Order No. 83-5760, Third Circuit, June 15, 1984.... 40°»
Rehearing Denied No. 83-5760, July 24, 1984...... 4U08a
Opinion—Judge Thompson January 20th, 1987..... 409a
Order—Judge Thompson January 27th, 1987 ...... 422a
Order of Dismissal—U.S. Court of Appeals Third
ce re 423a
Notice of Appeal November 3, 1987 .............. 425a
Notice of Appeal November 10, 1987 ............. 427a
Order for Extension January 7, 1987 USS.
Se ara dw seeds vaccecsecseees 429a
Stafford Township Police Report, October 31,
eS a. yay obs 4.6.6 95.0.5 # a 6.8 0 des 43la
News Article with Photo, November 1, 1984....... 433a
a
iv.
Page
Photos of Destruction, September 30, 1983........ 435a
Map of Southern Ocean County.................. 439a
Letter, Re-Location Funds, November 4, 1970 ..... 440a
Letter Advising of Elimination, Parcel No. L-22B,
BU SUE ees cc easas at bcenerierecn wees 44la
Letter Advising Parcel No. L-22B Has _ Been
Deleted, Fatwuary 9, 1076... 05 ccc csc wecesss 442a
Letter Advising Order for Abandonment, Parcel
Rae Sf ne. ae 444a
Loss of Advertising, Parcel #4L2R-31D............ 446a
Pe Re Rl das ccacneteaie ceca haere 449a
Relevant Portions of the United States
ER tS Ry a rg eg a ee Py 480a
Certificate of Possession—Removal............... 483a
National Adv. Co. v. The City of Orange, Fed. Dist.
ees Re OE 0 ee sas oc he Wale asaees 485a
National Adv. Co. v. The City of Orange, 8-15-1986
Fed. Dist. Court Findings of Fact and Conclusions
OF Gs cio 6-645: 00-440-464 REs ea CCN 490a
National Adv. Co. v. The City of Orange, 9th Cir.
ee BT SPPPITeTeTeeTeTI Cee reer ee 496a
National Adv. Co. v. The City of Orange, Fed. Dist.
Court Order Amended 3-27-87................. 498a
National Adv. Co. v. The City of Orange, 9th Cir.
Pretrial] Steg Order 43ST oo cc cca dtc ends 501la
Order of the Supreme Court
of the United States
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
No. 78-1554
WESLEY K. BELL,
Petitioner,
vs.
NEW JERSEY, et ai.
On Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the United States
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, No. 78-1578.
On Consideration of the petition for a writ of certiorari
herein to the United States Court of Appeals for the
Third Circuit.
It is Ordered by this Court that the said petition be,
and the same is hereby, denied.
June 4, i979
A true copy MICHAEL RODAK, JR.
Test:
Clerk of the Supreme Court
of the United States
By Lawrence P. RILL
Deputy
2a
Final Judgment February 19th, 1988 on Mortgage
Foreclosure on Lot 26A Block 145
Filed
Henry H. Wiley
Judge
Superior Court
Feb 19 1988
BERRY, KAGAN, PRIVETERA
& SAHRADNIK
23rd Street and Long Beach Boulevard,
Spray Beach, NJ 08008
Mailing: BOX 249, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
609-492-4656
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
Chancery Division—Ocean County
Docket: F 4675-85
FIRST JERSEY NATIONAL BANK/South, formerly
known as The Bank of New Jersey, N.A., a banking
corporation of the United States of America,
Plaintiff,
vs.
WESLEY K. BELL and ANN M. BELL,
his wife, et als.,
Defendants.
Civil Action
=
3a
Final Judgment February 19th, 1988 on Mortgage
Foreclosure on Lot 26A Block 145.
THIS MATTER having come before the Court and
having been tried upon the merits, the Court having
considered the testimony of various witnesses and the
exhibits presented and for good cause showing and IT
APPEARING that summons and complaint have been
duly issued and returned served on all of the defendants
except the State of New Jersey for whom notice and
complaint has been duly acknowledged by the Attorney
General; that default has been taken against all the
defendants except Wesley K. Bell and Ann M. Bell, his
wife, who have filed an Answer which does not dispute
the priority of plaintiff's mortgage; and the plaintiff's
Note and Mortgage having been presented and marked
as Exhibits by the Court; and the various Exhibits of the
defendants, Wesley K. Bell and Ann M. Bell, his wife,
having been presented and marked as Exhibits by the
Court;
AND IT APPEARING from the proofs and affidavits
filed herein that there is due to the plaintiff the sum of
$109,550.75 on its Mortgage described in the Complaint;
IT IS, on this 19th day of Feb., 1988 ORDERED AND
ADJUDGED that the plaintiff is entitled to have the
sum of $109,550.75 with lawful interest thereon from
Feb. 1, 1988, together with costs of this suit to be taxed,
with a counsel fee of $1,345.50 raised and paid out of the
mortgaged premises described in the Complaint;
AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND
ADJUDGED that the counterclaims of defendants,
Wesley K. Bell and Ann M. Bell, his wife, are hereby
dismissed with prejudice.
eee
da
Final Judgment February 19th, 1988 on Mortgage
Foreclosure on Lot 26A Block 145.
AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND
ADJUDGED that so much of the said mortgaged
premises as will be sufficient to raise and satisfy the said
mortgage, interest and costs of the plaintiff be sold and
that an execution do issue for that purpose out of this
court directed to the Sheriff of Ocean County
COMMANDING Him to make sale according to law of
so much of the mortgaged premises as will be sufficient
te &**isfy the said mortgage, interest and costs of the
piaint?*f and that he pay out of the proceeds of sale to
ir~ plaintiff or its attorneys, its debt, interest and costs
and that in case there is a surplus, the same shall be
brought into this Court; and that the said Sheriff make
his report to this Court of the sale as required by the
rules of the Court.
AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND
ADJUDGED that the plaintiff duly recover against the
said defendants, Wesley K. Bell and Ann M. Bell, his
wife, or anyone hoiding under them, possession of the
premises mentioned and described in the said Complaint
with the appurtenances and that a Writ of Possession
issue thereon.
AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND
ADJUDGED that all of the defendants to this action
and each of them stand absolutely debarred and
foreclosed of and from all equity of redemption of, in and
to so much of the said mortgaged premises as shal! be
sold as aforesaid under this Judgment.
HENRY H. WILEY, J.S.C.
neem
5a
D.O.T. Notices to Remove— Parcels
#L3E1 & 2 and TLE-1G & 1H
(Seal) In Reply Please Refer To
Sign Encroachment
Removal Program
John C. Kohl Route 72 C-34
Commissioner Project No. CAF-000B-(2)
Date 3-16-74
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Department of Transportation
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
RIGHT OF WAY DIVISION
Box 272, R.D. 4, Route U. 5. 9
Freehold, New Jersey 07723
To: Wes Adv Co
Manahawkin NJ
Dear
As you probably recognize, signs and other obstructions
which encroach on State Highway property tend to
become traffic hazards and also to detract from the
highway appearance. Legally, they also consist of a
trespass.
It has been noted that a sign apparently erected by you,
or on your behalf as follows, appears to be on State
property without a permit and therefore is illegal.
s/s Rte 72 at Pole #P 365-43 Long Beach Island
(Sign Description and Location)
sign = (just painted-no adv.)
This is to notify you that your cooperation is requested
in voluntarily removing this sign from State property.
EE
6a
D.O.T. Notices to Remove—Parcels
#L3E1 & 2and TLE-1G & H.
If it is not voluntarily removed within 14 days of the
sending date of this letter, the sign will be removed by
the State and stored for 30 days thereafter. Charges
incurred by the State for such removal and storage will
be considered your liability and may be billed to you.
Further, this is to alert you that under the State's
statutes the State may proceed either in the Superior
Court for each day’s violation to recover a fine not
exceeding $100.00, and the costs of prosecution, or may
prosecute the matter as a public nuisance in the local
municipal Court wherein you would be subject to a
penalty of $25.00 plus court costs upon conviction.
Your prompt assistance and cooperation in the overall
public interest through removal of this sign by the 14-
day expiration date will therefore be appreciated. If you
have any questions, please call Robert Delaney,
telephone 431-4500.
Existing R/W 130’ from Island (U-Turn)
Sign is in proposed R/W—Landscape = 1000’ set
Very truly yours,
J. WENZEK
DISTRIBUTION: Original to Owner;
Duplicate retained by patrol;
Triplicate to District Office:
Quadruplicate to Headquarters Office.
7a
D.O.T. Notices to Remove—Parcels
#L3E1 & 2and TLE-1G & H.
(Seal) In Reply Please Refer To
Sign Encroachment
Removal Program
John C. Kohl Route 72 C-35
Commissioner Project No. CAF-000B-(2)
Date 3-16-74
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Department of Transportation
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
To: Wes Outdoor Adv Co
Manahawkin NJ
Dear
As you probably recognize, signs and other obstructions
which encroach on State Highway property tend to
become traffic hazards and also to detract from the
highway appearance. Legally, they also consist of a
trespass.
It has been noted that a sign apparently erected by you,
or on your behalf as follows, appears to be on State
property without a permit and therefore is illegal.
s/s Rte 72 at Pole #P 365-45 = Long Beach Island
(Sign Description and Location)
sign = Ship Bottom & Hands Dept. Stores etc
This is to notify you that your cooperation is requested
in voluntarily removing this sign from State property.
If it is not voluntarily removed within 14 days of the
sending date of this letter, the sign will be removed by
the State and stored for 30 days thereafter. Charges
8a
D.O.T. Notices to Remove—Parcels
#L3E1 & 2and TLE-1G & H.
incurred by the State for such removal and storage will
be considered your liability and may be billed to you.
Further, this is to alert you that under the State's
statutes the State may proceed either in the Superior
Court for each day’s violation to recover a fine not
exceeding $100.00, and the costs of prosecution, or may
prosecute the matter as a public nuisance in the local
municipal Court wherein you would be subject to a
penalty of $25.00 plus court costs upon conviction.
Your prompt assistance and cooperation in the overall
public interest through removal of this sign by the 14-
day expiration date will therefore be appreciated. If you
have any questions, please call Robert Delaney,
telephone 431-4500.
Sign is in proposed R/W line—1000' set.
Very truly yours,
J. WENZEK
DISTRIBUTION: Original to Owner;
Duplicate retained by patrol;
Triplicate to District Office:
Quadruplicate to Headquarters Office.
aS bmw
9a
D.O.T. Notices to Remove—Parcels
#L3E1 & 2and TLE-1IG & H.
(Seal) In Reply Please Refer To
Sign Encroachment
Removal Program
John C. Kohl Route 72 C-36
Commissioner Project No. CAF-000B-(2)
Date 3-16-74
To: Wes Outdoor Adv Co
Manahawkin NJ
Dear
As you probably recognize, signs and other obstructions
which encroach on State Highway property tend to
become traffic hazards and also to detract from the
highway appearance. Legally, they also consist of a
trespass.
It has been noted that a sign apparently erected by you,
or on your behalf as follows, appears to be on State
property without a permit and therefore is illegal.
s/s Rte 72 at Pole #36546
(Sign Description and Location)
sign = Hartovan’s Amusement Park
This is to notify you that your cooperation is requested
.in voluntarily removing this sign from State property.
If it is not voluntarily removed within 14 days of the
sending date of this letter, the sign will be removed by
the State and stored for 30 days thereafter. Charges
incurred by the State for such removal and storage will
be considered your liability and may be billed to you.
Further, this is to alert you that under the State’s
statutes the State may proceed either in the Superior
a
;
10a
D.O.T. Notices to Remove—Parcels
#L3E1 & 2and TLE-1G & H.
Court for each day’s violation to recover a fine not
exceeding $100.00, and the costs of prosecution, or may
prosecute the matter as a public nuisance in the local
municipal Court wherein you would be subject to a
penalty of $25.00 plus court costs upon conviction.
Your prompt assistance and cooperation in the overall
public interést through removal of this sign by the 14-
day expiration date will therefore be appreciated. If you
have any questions, please call Robert Delaney,
telephone 431-4500.
Sign is in Proposed R/W—1000" set.
Very truly yours,
J. WENZEK
DISTRIBUTION: Original to Owner;
Duplicate retained by patrol;
Triplicate to District Office:
Quadruplicate to Headquarters Office.
lla
Complaint of the United States District Court
Original Filed
Apr 10 1986
Allyn Z. Lite, Clerk
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
For the District of New Jersey
Civil Action
Complaint
WESLEY K. BELL, individually and T/A
WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CO.,
Plaintiff,
vs.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , an agency
of the State of New Jersey, RUSSELL H. MULLEN,
CLARENCE PELL, VINCENT R. STOLOWSKI,
NICKOLAS F. MONTEFORTE, and JOSEPH
CUNNINGHAM,
Defendants.
TT
Docket #86-1477 (AET)
DEMAND FOR A JURY TRIAL
Plaintiff, WESLEY K. BELL, individually and doing
business as WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
COMPANY, brings this civil action, seeking preliminary
12a
Complaint of the United States District.
and permanent injunctive relief, declaratory judgment,
punitative and monetary damages, against the captioned
defendants and complains and alleges, as follows:
PLAINTIFF
1. Plaintiff, WESLEY K. BELL, is an individual
engaged in the Outdoor Advertising business, in the
State of New Jersey, since 1957, residing at 188 Route
#72, Manahawkin, New Jersey.
DEFENDANTS
9° Defendant, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, is a
sovereign State of the United States, with its capital and
“its principal place of business located, for the purpose of
service of process in the office of the Attorney General,
at the Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton, New Jersey
08625.
3. Defendant NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, has offices at 1035 Parkway
Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey and is an agency of the
State of New Jersey.
4. Defendant, RUSSELL H. MULLEN, is an
employee of the New Jersey Department of
Transportation and_ holds the title of Assistant
Commissioner.
5 Defendant, CLARENCE PELL, is an employee of
the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
6. Defendant, VINCENT R. STOLOWSKI, is a
former employee of the State of New Jersey and now
resides at 5 Sweet Briar Ln., Bordentown, New Jersey.
6. Defendant, NICKOLAS F. MONTEFORTE, is an
employee of the State of New Jersey, as an Assistant
Attorney General.
13a
Complaint of the United States District.
7. Defendant, JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM, is a former
employee of the N.J. Dept. of Transportation and resides
at 918 Schiller Ave., Trenton, New Jersey.
JURISDICTION
8. The acts of the Defendants, as set forth herein,
constitute violations of:
(a) CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, title VI
section 601. section 602.
(b) Title 42 of the United States Code, Sections
1983, 1985(3) and 1986, and of the due process and
equal protection provisions of the FIRST, FIFTH,
THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH
Amendments and Article THREE, section two of
the Constitution of the United States.
(c) PUBLIC LAW 89-285
(d) PUBLIC LAW 91-646
(e) PUBLIC LAW 93-643
(f) PUBLIC LAW 95-599
(g) Federal Laws and material relating to the
Federal Highway Administration (exhibit #1).
(h) In Rem-jurisdiction in eminent domain
proceedings under Rule 71A (see 7 Moore 71 d.10).
(i) Article 23 U.S.C. 131 to 134 amended 1978.
Article 28 U.S.C. 1257
Article 28 U.S.C. 1291
Article 28 U.S.C. 1331
Article 28 U.S.C. 1334
l4a
Complaint of the United States District.
(j) The amount in controversy exclusive of
interest and costs, exceeds ten thousand dollars
($10,000).
INTRODUCTION
9. Plaintiff is and has been, since April 1957, in the
Outdoor Advertising business, in Ocean County, New
Jersey. He has also run for public office and was elected,
in his municipality of Stafford Township in 1969, 1972,
1977, 1980 and 1982 and has served his community as
Mayor in 1972, 1973, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983.
10. The Department of Transportation, under
direction of defendants, under color of law, have
repeatedly violated Plaintiff's established rights in an
effort to put him out of business and to confiscate his
lands, which are not and were not needed for public
purposes and acted under the delegated power, under a
Federally funded program, in bad faith, wrongfully,
corruptly and intentionally and said acts are capricious
and injurious and beyond the privilege conferred by the
statutes and the Constitution of the United States.
Defendants and State employees were grossly negligent,
to a point of recklessness or deliberate indifference. The
purpose of the takings presents a "ederal Question,
Defendants acts against Plaintiff, present a Federal
Question.
Defendants entered into a conspiracy to wrongfully
condemn Plaintiff's lands and lands leased, where he
maintained existing billboards and as a result of that
conspiracy, defendants designated Plaintiff's sites as
‘scenic’.
15a
Complaint of the United States District.
Defendants made Federal Funds available for their
scenic condemnation of plaintiff's lands, for the sole
purpose of putting plaintiff out of business.
In 1968, when Defendants first commenced conspiracy
efforts against Plaintiff, his growing company
maintained 128 billboards. As a direct result of
Defendants acts, Plaintiff's company now has dwindled
to only 58 billboards.
The Defendants, under color of State law, continue to
act in a grossly negligent manner, to a point of
recklessness or deliberate indifference and in a
discriminatory manner, against Plaintiff and his business
interests, without regard to his protected rights.
11. On February 14th, 1986 (Valentine’s Day)
Defendant New Jersey Department of Transportation
employees entered onto Plaintiff’s lands on Route #72,
known as Lot 6, Block 33, in Barnegat Township. They
proceeded to cut down, with chain saws, Plaintiff’s
billboards located thereon, which were duly licensed
under State Permit #7098 (see exhibit #2).
Said illegal entry was without any right of legal access
and was done intentionally, corruptly, and wrongfully
and was done for the sole purpose of destroying
plaintiff's billboards. Supervisory officials were grossly
negligent, to the point of recklessness or deliberate
indifference, as a continuing effort to put plaintiff out of
business.
12. The New Jersey Department of Transportation,
through its employees, on February 14th, 1986, entered
onto Lot 1 Block 36 and Lot 10 Block 46, in Barnegat
Township, on three sites and cut down and destroyed
eleven creosoted utility-type poles and one complete
l6a
Complaint of the United States District.
framework for a large 10 ft. x 48 ft. billboard. These
billboards were erected in compliance with a perpetual
lease, recorded in Book 2514 and Page 311 of the County
of Ocean on August 26th, 1965, which is still in effect
(see exhibit #3).
The aforementioned billboards were in the process of
being removed by the Plaintiff, for use elsewhere,
because the State of New Jersey purchased these lands
with Federal Funding as a part of the National Pinelands
Reserve.
Defendants have not paid, Plaintiff, under Sections
122(a) and 122(b) of the Surface Transportation
Assistance Act of 1978, amended sections 131(g) and (k)
of Title 23, U.S.C. for the billboards and billboard
structures removed thereon.
Defendants acts and the supervisory officials under
their authority, were grossly negligent to a point of
recklessness or deliberate indifference and their acts were
done intentionally, corruptly, wrongfully and were done
for the sole purpose of destroying plaintiff's billboards.
13. Defendant New Jersey Department of
Transportation, through its employees, on September
30th, 1983, entered onto Lots 8 & 9, Block 120, in
Stafford Township and cut down and removed billboards
thereon, valued at $24,000.
Defendants, at the time of removal, had no right of
access on Plaintiff's lands and they did so, over his
objections and with the assistance of ‘armed, uniformed
State Police.’ (see Police Report, exhibit #4).
Defendants acts were grossly negligent to a point of
recklessness or deliberate indifference and were done as a
part of a conspiracy to put plaintiff out of business.
17a
Complaint of the United States District.
Defendants again entered onto these same premises, on
October 25th, 1984 and again attempted to remove
reconstruction Structures, after the previous removal (see
Stafford Township Police report Exhibit #5, see notice to
State, Exhibit #6, see news article of act, Exhibit #7).
Plaintiff has suffered loss of advertising revenue from
the illegal removal of these structures, at the following
rates:
Sept., 1983 to Sept. 1984 $10,400.
Sept. 1984 to Sept. 1985 $13,400.
Sept. 1985 to Sept. 1986 $14,800.
Sept. 1986 to Sept. 1987 $17,200.
In addition, plaintiff has suffered further legal expenses
when Stafford Township _ instituted legal action,
own the lands.
Defendant NICKOLAS MONTEFORTE intentionally,
wrongfully, corruptly and repeatedly mis-represented the
facts on this Parcel, to the U.S. District Court Judge
Anne Thompson, claiming that the Department of
18a
Complaint of the United States District.
Transportation was un-aware of Plaintiff's recorded
easement and other pertinent facts, concerning the
States’ denial of Plaintiff's permit applications (see
certification by Monteforte, exhibit #10; see false
affidavit of Donald Catts, exhibit #11; and D.O.T. letters
to owners, exhibits #12 and #13).
Plaintiff lost $88,300.0C in income, because of
Defendants acts (see loss breakdown, exhibit #14).
Plaintiff was the purchaser, in possession of Lot 31
Block 147, from Gustav & Margaret Foster, on 12/26/68
and said agreement of purchase was recorded on Page
; Book of the Ocean County Records (see
exhibit #15).
Because of Defendants attempted condemnatiow
proceedings, refusal to issue advertising permits for this
site and defendants penalty actions, Plaintiff was unable
to complete the purchase of the property, and suffered
extensive legal expenses. Sellers, on _______-:1971, filed
suit against Plaintiff to cancel the contract of purchase,
for failure to complete the transaction. As a result of the
Fosters suit, Plaintiff assigned his $12,000 contract of
purchase to Egon and Ede Kahl, Mike & Rita Ackaway
and Harry & Reinelda Baldasarre, in exchange for a
permanent easement on January 7th, 1972, Recorded
February 7th, 1972, in Book 3187, Page 1 (see exhibit #16).
Plaintiff estimates the aforementioned property is
presently valued at $300,000 and Plaintiff Wesley K. Bell
has suffered the real estate asset loss of this site, of over
$290,000 and extensive legal fees and expenses.
15. Defendants NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, RUSSELL MULLEN and
NICKOLAS MONTEFORTE, on September 30th, 1983,
19a
Complaint of the United States District.
wrongfully, corruptly intentionally and under color of
law, caused Plaintiff's billboards to be cut down,
destroyed, removed without notice or Payment of
business. They are a total violation of Plaintiff's
protected rights, guaranteed him by the U.S.
appeal. see June 15th, 1984 Third Circuit Order, Docket
483-5760).
Plaintiff appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of
the United States and Defendants did not cross-appeal.
20a
Complaint of the United States District.
Plaintiff requested a re-hearing, which was denied on
April 15th, 1985.
17. The NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION had previously entered onto this
same group of lots, in 1967 and illegally removed
similarly constructed billboards, without any right of
access. The previous 1967 act had been declared illegal,
by Chancery Division Judge Edward V. Martino (see
Court Order, exhibit #17).
Plaintiff has continually opposed all of defendants acts
and has continually maintained legal proceedings,
challenging the Defendants condemnations and other
acts, in an effort to vindicate Plaintiff's rights as well as
to challenge Defendants illegal and improper actions.
18. Defendants, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, NEW
JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
RUSSELL MULLEN AND JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM
and their supervisor officials and employees did
wrongfully, corruptly, intentionally and were grossly
negligent to the point of recklessness or deliberate
indifference and under color of law, caused Plaintiff's
lands to be condemned for the sole purpose of preventing
Plaintiff from making a living, in his billboard business.
Defendants did so, and caused Plaintiff's lands to be
designated as ‘scenic’, to make the takings eligible for
Federal Funds.
Defendants and their supervisory officials were clearly
aware that the entire area was ‘‘Not Scenic”’ and that the
area in question, was in fact zoned, used and developed
as business.
2la
Complaint of the United States District.
Defendants wrongfully, corruptly, intentionally and
under color of law, selected only this Plaintiff's interests,
and left adjacent and similar properties untouched for
condemnation. Defendants acts were grossly negligent to
a point of recklessness or deliberate indifference.
Plaintiff has continually opposed the States right to
‘select’ his interests and properties (see WES OUTDOOR
ADVERTISING CO. & WESLEY BELL v. DAVID
GOLDBERG, L-12980-68PW, 55 N.J. 34 (1970)). The
decision, in the last paragraph, says that Plaintiff may
challenge “any abuse by the Commissioner of
Transportation, through recourse through the courts”’.
Plaintiff has continually sought that recourse but it
has never been granted by a trial on the merits or any
other proceeding equivalent thereto.
Defendants selected the following parcels, owned by
Plaintiff, for wrongful condemnation and are not needed
for any public purpose:
Site A Lot 8 Block 68 Exhibits #18 & 19
Site B Lots 3,4,5,6,8,9 Block 120 Exhibits #20 & 21
Site C Lot 27D Block 144 Exhibit #22
Site D Lot 9, Block 145B Exhibit #23
Site E Lots 10 & 37 Block 145A Exhibits #24 & 25
Site F Lots 26A Block 145 Exhibits #26 & 27
Site G Lot 26A Block 145A Exhibit #28
Site H Lot 31 Block 147 Exhibit #29
Site J Lots 3 & 4, Block 298 Exhibits #30, 31,
32,&33
19. Defendant CLARENCE PELL, executed a False
Affidavit on or about 28th day of May, 1969 (See
exhibit #34), wrongfully, corruptly and intentionally for
the purpose of denying Plaintiff his pending
22a
Complaint of ithe United States District.
Constitutional right to challenge Defendants acts of
discrimination, in selecting Plaintiff's properties and not
those of adjacent property owners. Said acts were
grossly negligent to a point of recklessness or deliberate
indifference.
Said affidavit was falsified wrongfully, intentionally
and corruptly for the sole purpose of putting plaintiff out
of business and denying him his protected rights,
guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
20. Defendants, NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, RUSSELL H. MULLEN,
JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM AND CLARENCE PELL
caused the Department of Transportation maps to be
“altered” in 1974, on Lots 3 & 4, Block 298, in Stafford
Township, for the purpose of changing property lines, to
force Plaintiff to remove three (3) large billboards, owned
by the Plaintiff, without compensation, in violation of
the U.S. Constitution and Federal Law.
Defendants have obtained a fraudulent deed, based on
these illegal ‘alterations’, from the New Jersey
Department of Conservation and Economic
Development.
Plaintiff has continually opposed these acts for which
he has never had a ‘trial on the merits’.
21. On February 16, 1969, a conference was held by
the Deputy Commissioner of Transportation, RUSSELL
H. MULLEN, JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM and one
Blauss (first name unknown), other employees of the
State Department of Transportation, with members of
the Stafford Township Government. During the course of
the meeting, both Mullen and Cunningham agreed that
Ne meee eee anni ale
23a
Complaint of the United States District
the proposed ‘right-of-way’ for beautification purposes
could and should be limited to 60 feet rather than 100 ft.
Nevertheless, they agreed to proceed with the
condemnation proceedings to a depth of 100 feet. Mr.
Mullen took the position that as soon as the problems
with Plaintiff had been resolved, the condemnation
proceeding would be amended to take only 60 feet rather
than 100 feet, as shown on the plans. However, those
statements were subsequently qualified by Cunningham
and Mullen in that they said that the uses to which the
property was to be put, the topography, etc., would be
reviewed by the Commissioner. The meeting made it
clear that property would have to be taken to greater
depths until Bell was eliminated and his property taken,
so that he could not erect signs. They would then take
lesser depths of remaining properties so as not to
prevent others from erecting signs close to the road.
Cunningham and Mullen also stated that the
Department of Transportation was not committed to a
100 foot right-of-way, and in some instances, might
agree to even less than 60 feet, if that was desirable,
depending upon the size of the property. The conspiracy
was intended to deprive Plaintiff of equal protection of
the laws and to prefer Plaintiff’s competitors and certain
favored property owners. The conspiracy entered into, on
that date, exists today (see Municipal records, copy of
minutes, exhibit #35).
22. VINCENT STOLOWSKI, of the Department of
Taxation, since 1968, has instituted proceedings against
the Plaintiff and has continued to harass the Plaintiff for
the purpose of denying his 5th Amendment rights to
liberty and the lawful enjoyment of his property
pursuant to the conspiracy among the defendants.
24a
Complaint of the United States District.
Stolowski falsely testified before the Ocean County
Court, that there were no billboards, other than
Plaintiff's, between Route #9 and Barnegat Bay. As a
result of these proceedings, the State of New Jersey
obtained a judgment against the Plaintiff, in excess of
$59,000. A criminal case against Stolowski was, however,
dismissed and the transcript of his original false
testimony was stolen from the Prosecutors records. A-
copy has now been obtained, from Micro-film records.
23. Defendant, STATE OF NEW JERSEY’s
judgment, obtained by false testimony of Defendant
VINCENT STOLOWSKI, referred to in count #21,
caused Plaintiff to sell off property known as Lot 2,
Block 114, in Barnegat Township, for a depressed figure,
to satisfy the judgment and pay legal expenses
associated therewith. z
24. As further evidence of his malicious intent,
VINCENT STOLOWSKI, in June of 1969, posted a
photograph of the Plaintiff, on the Bulletin Board in the
State House Annex Offices, with the caption, ‘‘Public
Enemy Number One” affixed to it. A copy of the
aforesaid picture is attached hereto, as Exhibit #36.
25. The STATE OF NEW JERSEY Department of
Outdoor Advertising, on March 28, 1969, by letter of
Vincent Stolowski, had ordered every sign and billboard
owned by the Plaintiff, within the State of New Jersey,
removed and advised that otherwise, they would be
removed by the State of New Jersey, after the 30 day
period. The State of New Jersey, again on February 5,
1976 ordered that all of the Plaintiff’s signs in the State
of New Jersey, be removed, or they would be summarily
removed by the State of New Jersey on April 1, 1976
25a
Complaint of the United States District.
unless the Plaintiff paid the State certain monies. These
actions were taken in violation of N.J.S.A. 54:40-70, in
that the State failed to apply to the Superior Court of
New Jersey for injunction relief against the alleged
violations as required by New Jersey Law. The State’s
actions thereby deprived Plaintiff of due process of law,
contrary to Plaintiff's rights under the New Jersey and
United States Constitution.
26. The State of New Jersey has also removed
Plaintiff's billboards located at (a) Sixth and Boulevard,
Ship Bottom, N.J.; and (b) on Lot 10 Block 158 and Lot
2, Block 147, in Manahawkin, N.J., all without due
process of law.
Subsequent to the removal of the Route #72 sign, on
Lot 10, Block 158, the State sought the cost of the
removal and in 1971, the Ocean County Court found that
the sign did not violate State Statutes.
Defendants acts were grossly negligent to a point of
recklessness or deliberate indifference and were a general
pattern of conduct by Defendants and their agents,
against Plaintiff.
27. Defendants wrongful, corrupt and intentional acts
have caused Plaintiff to expend over thirty four
thousand hours, since 1967, to the present date,
opposing the Defendants condemnations, preparing
defenses, meeting with attorneys, rebuilding destroyed
billboards, salvaging destroyed billboards, defending
other lawsuits which were caused as a spin-off of
Defendants illegal acts.
Plaintiff also spent attorney fees and engineering fees,
printing and court reporters fees, for those years,
exceeding $200,000, as a result of Defendants illegal and
wrongful acts.
26a
Complaint of the United States District.
28. Plaintiff requested assistance from Defendants,
for re-location funds as provided in Federal Programs
administered by the State in 1970.
As a result, Defendants agents responded on
November 4th, 1970, that such funds were not available
and that when they became available, Defendants would
contact the Plaintiff (see November 4th, 1970 letter,
exhibit #37).
Plaintiff is still waiting for Defendants response to
that request, even though it was raised, in the previous
appeal.
Defendants and supervisory officials for Defendants,
were grossly negligent, to a point of recklessness or
deliberate indifference, to violate Plaintiff's protected
rights.
29. Plaintiff regularly supports and _ provides
advertising space for affinity group causes, on these
billboards, with idealogical messages, such as “Hanoi,
Release Our POW/MIA’s” (see exhibits #23 & #28);
“Nobody Wants a Nuclear War, Vote Yes on Nuclear
Freeze’ (see exhibit #20); “Honor Our Flag—B.P.O.
Elks’; ‘‘Knights of Columbus-Keep Christ in
Christmas”; Plaintiff’s local elections for Mayor and also
County and State elections for the candidates of his
choice.
Plaintiff contends that other forms of mass media are
expensive for groups or persons of limited means. By
destroying Plaintiff's billboards, Defendants are also
destroying a direct means of reaching the public, for
numerous groups who could not afford to get their
message across, were it not for the ‘good will’ and
support they receive from the Plaintiff.
27a
Complaint of the United States District.
30. Plaintiff has sustained damages and requests
relief be awarded to his business, his property, other
consequential damages and persona! wealth, as follows:
(a) In excess of two million dollars, lost on
billboard revenues,
(b} Legal expenses in excess of $200,000,
(c) Damages for signs illegally removed, in excess
of $200,000,
(d) Damages to Plaintiff's business, personal and
political reputation, in excess of one million dollars,
(e) Loss of real estate value of Lot 31, Block 147.
in amount of two hundred and ninety thousand
dollars ($290,000),
(f) Loss of time devoted to defending Plaintiff's
rights and properties from illegal acts and wrongful
condemnations, by Defendants, in the amount of
$3,000,000, as pro se legal fees (attorney fees),
(g) Loss of ability to re-invest Plaintiff’s income,
Over the past 18 years, said income being
wrongfully, corruptly and intentionally withheld by
Defendants acts, in excess of two hundred million
dollars,
(h) Loss of twelve thousand five hundred dollars
plus interest ($12,500+) collected by Defendants
from Plaintiff’s property closing (Cumberland Farms
for Shopping Center site in Barnegat) to satisfy
balance of wrongful judgment obtained through
Defendant VINCENT STOLOWSKI’S FALSE
TESTIMONY,
28a
Complaint of the United States District.
(i) Property ioss, in excess of two hundred
thousand dollars ($200,000) for depressed sale of
shopping center site, to Cumberland Farms, in
Barnegat, New Jersey, known as Lot 2, block 114.
Proceeds were used to satisfy wrongful judgment
and attorney fees obtained by Defendants,
(j) Setting aside and vacating all condemnations
of property interests of Plaintiff, condemned by the
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, along Route #72, in
Stafford Township, New Jersey,
(k) Declaring that Federal Funds expended to
condemn Plaintiff's properties were improperly
expended and required that they be refunded to the
United States Treasury,
(l) Enjoining the Defendants from harassment of
the Plaintiff and his business,
(m) Awarding a reasonable attorney’s fees and
costs and expenses related to the preparation
required to bring and sustain this action,
(n) Order payment of future loss of revenue,
which Plaintiff would receive in his lifetime, from all
removed billboards,
(o) Order payment of future loss of revenue,
which Plaintiff's wife and stepchildren would
receive, in their lifetime, from all removed billboards,
(p) and such other relief as may be appropriate.
WESLEY K. BELL, Pro Se
P.O. Box 538—188 Route #72
Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050
(609) 597-3222
29a
Complaint of the United States District.
EXHIBITS INDEX
EXHIBIT #
& Federal regulations on highways and
memorandum.
2. State permit, Route #72, Barnegat, N.J.
3. Dupar Lease
4. Police report (State) 8/30/83 (site B)
5. Police report (local) 10/25/84 (site B)
6. Notice to State (not to remove anything)
2 News article with photo (State Trooper)
(site B)
8. Court Order (site G) March 14,
1986—Judge Kearney
9. Map Exhibit (sites A through H)
10. Certification by Monteforte
11. Affidavit by Donald Catts
12. Letter to property owner (site H)
13. Letter to property owner (site H)
14, Loss breakdown on site H
15. Fosters agreement of purchase (site H)
16. Easement on site H
17. 1968 Court Order (Judge Martino) (site B)
18. Photos of site A before destruction
19. Photos of site A after destruction 9/30/83
20. Photos of site B before destruction
36.
37.
30a
Complaint of the United States District.
Photos of site B, after destruction 9/30/83
Photos of site C before and after
destruction 9/30/83
Photos of site D before destruction
Photos of site E after destruction 9/29/83
Photos of site E before destruction
Photos of site F before destruction
Photos of site F after destruction
Photos of site G before destruction
Photos of site H destruction prevented by
Judge Thompson
Photo of site J in present condition
Photo of site J in present condition
Photo of site J in present condition
Photo of site J in present condition
Affidavit of Clarence Pell (all sites)
Municipal Minutes (conspiracy meeting —all
sites)
Public Enemy #1 Photo
Letter on re-location funds (all sites)
3la
Complaint of the United States District.
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
For the District of New Jersey
Civil Action
WESLEY K. BELL, individually and
T/A WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CO.,
Plaintiff,
V8.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION,
an agency of the State of New Jersey,
RUSSELL H. MULLEN,
CLARENCE PELL,
VINCENT R. STOLOWSKI,
NICKOLAS F. MONTEFORTE,
and JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM,
Defendants.
AFFIDAVIT
WESLEY K. BELL, being duly sworn according to
law, deposes and says that he is the Plaintiff, in this
matter and that the allegations contained in the
32a
Complaint of the United States District.
foregoing complaint are true and correct, to the best of
his knowledge, information and belief.
WESLEY K. BELL
Wesley K. Bell
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 10th day of
April, 1986.
GINA M. SIGNORELLI
Notary Public of New Jersey
My Commission Expires 10/5/86
ee ae
33a
EXHIBIT #1
Federal Laws and
Material Relating to
the Federal Highway
Administration
October 1983
(Logo)
U.S. Department
of Transportation Compiled by the
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Federal Highway Administration
Administration
*+_ + *
[11-65] signs shall conform to national standards to be
promulgated by the Secretary.'™
(g) Just compensation shall be paid upon the removal
of any outdoor advertising sign, display, or device
lawfully erected under State Law and not permitted
under subsection (c) of this section, whether or not
removed pursuant to or because of this section. The
Federal share of such compensation shall be 75 per
centum. Such compensation shall be paid for the
following:
(A) The taking from the owner of such sign,
display, or device of all right, title, leasehold, and
interest in such sign, display, or device; and
(B) The taking from the owner of the real
property on which the sign, display, or device is
‘= Amended by sec. 122(a) of Public Law 94-280, May 5, 1976 (90
Stat. 438).
——
34a
Exhibits.
located, of the right to erect and maintain such
signs, displays, and devices thereon.'’™
(h) All public lands or reservations of the United
States which are adjacent to any portion of the
Interstate System and the primary system shall be
controlled in accordance with the provisions of this
section and the national standards promulgated by the
Secretary.
(i) In order to provide information in the specific
interest of the traveling public, the State highway
departments are authorized to maintain maps and to
permit information directories and advertising pamphlets
to be made available at safety rest areas. Subject to the
approval of the Secretary, a State may also establish
information centers at safety rest areas and other travel
information systems within the rights-of-way for the
purpose of informing the public of places of interest
within the State and providing such other information as
a State may consider desirable. The Federal share of the
cost of establishing such an information center or travel
information system shall be that which is provided in
section 120 for a highway project on that Federal-aid
system to be served by such center or system. '™
(j) Any State highway department which has, under
this section as in effect on June 30, 1965, entered into an
agreement with the Secretary to control the erection and
maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays, and
13 Amended by sec. 109(c) of Public Law 93-643, Jan. 4, 1975 (88
Stat. 2284); and sec. 122(a) of Public Law 95-599, Nov. 6, 1978 (92
Stat. 2701).
13%e Amended by sec. 122(c) of Public Law 94-280, May 5, 1976 (90
Stat. 439).
35a
Exhibits.
devices in areas adjacent to the Interstate System shall
be entitled to receive the bonus payments as set forth in
the agreement, but no such State highway department
shall be entitled to such payments unless the State
maintains the control required under such agreement:
Provided, That permission by a State to erect and
maintain information displays which may be changed at
reasonable intervals by electronic process or remote
control and which provide public service information or
advertise activities conducted on the property on which
they are located shall not be considered a breach of such
agreement or |
* * *
[11-306] marketing of products, commodities,
personal property, or services by the erection and
maintenance of an outdoor advertising display or
displays, whether or not such display or displays are
located on the premises on which any of the above
activities are conducted.
(8) The term “farm operation’’ means any activity
conducted solely or primarily for the production of one or
more agricultural products or commodities, including
timber, for sale or home use, and customarily producing
such products or commodities in sufficient quantity to be
capable of contributing materially to the operator’s
support.
(9) The term ‘“mortage’’ means such classes of liens as
are commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid
purchase price of, real property, under the laws of the
State in which the real property is located, together with
the credit instruments, if any, secured thereby.
36a
Exhibits.
KEEFFECT UPON PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Sec. 102. (a) The provisions of section 301 of title III
of this Act create no rights or liabilities and shall not
affect the validity of any property acquisitions by
purchase or condemnation.
(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as creating
in any condemnation proceedings brought under the
power of eminent domain, any element of value or of
damage not in existence immediately prior to the date of
enactment of this Act.
TITLE LL- UNIFORM RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
DECLARATION OF POLICY
Sec. 201. The purpose of this title is to establish a
uniform policy for the fair and equitable treatment of
persons displaced as a result of Federal and federally
assisted programs in order that such persons shall not
suffer disproportionate injuries as a result of programs
designed for the benefit of the public as a whole.
MOVING AND RELATED EXPENSES
Sec. 202. (a) Whenever the acquisition of real property
for a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency
in any State will result in the displacement of any person
on or after the effective date of this Act, the head of
such agency shall make a payment to any displaced
person, upon proper application as approved by such
agency head, for—
(1) actual reasonable expenses in moving himself,
his family, business, farm operation, or other
personal property;
37e
Exhibits.
(2) actual direct losses of tangible personal
property as a result of moving or discontinuing a
business or farm operation, but not to exceed an
amount equal to the reasonable expenses that would
{11-307] have been required to relocate’ such
property, as determined by the head of the agency;
and
(3) actual reasonable expenses in searching for a
replacement business or farm.
(b) Any displaced person eligibie for payments under
subsection (a) of this section who is displaced from a
dwelling and who elects to accept the payments authorized
by this subsection in lieu of the payments authorized by
subsection (a) of this section may receive a moving expense
allowance, determined according to a schedule established
by the head of the Federal agency, not to exceed $300; and
a dislocation allowance of $200.
(c) Any displaced person eligible for payments under
subsection (a) of this section who is displaced from his
place of business or from his farm operation and who
elects to accept the payment authorized by this
subsection in lieu of the payment authorized by
subsection (a) of this section, may receive a fixed
payment in an amount equal to the average annual net
earnings of the business or farm operation, except that
such payment shall be not less than $2,500 nor more
than $10,000. In the case of a business no payment shall
be made under this subsection unless the head of the
Federal agency is satisfied that the business (1) cannot
be relocated without a substantial loss of its existing
patronage, and (2) is not a part of a commercial
enterprise having at least one other establishment not
38a
Exhibits.
being acquired by the United States, which is engaged in
the same or similar business. For purposes of this
subsection, the term ‘‘average annual net earnings”
means one-half of any net earnings of the business or
farm operation, before Federal, State, and local income
taxes, during the two taxable years immediately
preceding the taxable year in which such business or
farm operation moves from the real property acquired for
such project, or during such other period as the head of
such agency determines to be more equitable for
establishing such earnings, and includes any
compensation paid by the business or farm operation to
the owner, his spouse, or his dependents during guch
period.
REPLACEMENT HOUSING FOR HOMEOWNER
Sec. 203. (a)(1) In addition to payments otherwise
authorized by this title, the head of the Federal agency
shall make an additional payment not in excess of
$15,000 to any displaced persons who is displaced from a
dwelling actually owned and occupied by such displaced
person for not less than one hundred and eighty days
prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition
of the property. Such additional payments shall include
the following elements:
(A) The amount, if any, which when added to the
acquisition cost of the dwelling acquired by the
Federal agency, equals the reasonable cost of a
comparable replacement dwelling which is a [11-308]
decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling adequate to
accommodate such displaced person, reasonably
accessible to public services and places of
39a
Exhibits.
employment and available on the private market. All
“determinations required to carry out this
subparagraph shall be made in accordance with
standards established by the head of the Federal
agency making the additional payment.
(B) The amount, if any, which will compensate
such displaced person for any increased interest
costs which such person is required to pay for
financing the acquisition of any such comparable
replacement dwelling. Such amount shal] be paid
only if the dwelling acquired by the Federal agency
was encumbered by a bona fide mortgage which was
a valid lien on such dwelling for not less than one
hundred and eighty days prior to the initiation of
negotiations for the acquisition of such dwelling.
Such amount shall be equal to the excess in the
aggregate interest and other debt service costs of
that amount of the principal of the mortgage on the
replacement dwelling which is equal to the unpaid
balance of the mortgage on the acquired dwelling,
over the remainder term of the mortgage on the
acquired dwelling, reduced to discounted present
value. The discount rate shall be the prevailing
interest rate paid on savings deposits by commercial
banks in the general area in which the replacement
dwelling is located.
(C) Reasonable expenses incurred by such
displaced person for evidence of title, recording fees,
and other closing costs incident to the purchase of
the replacement dwelling, but not including pre-paid
expenses.
40a
Exhibits.
(2) The additional payment authorized by this
subsection shall be made only to such displaced person
who purchases and occupies a replacement dwelling
which is decent, safe, and sanitary not later than the end
of the one year period beginning on the date on which he.
receives from the Federal agency final payment of all
costs of the acquired dwelling, or on the date on which
he moves from the acquired dwelling, whichever is the
later date.
(b) The head of any Federal agency may, upon
application by a mortgagee, insure any mortgage
(including advances during construction) on a comparable
replacement dwelling executed by a displaced person
assisted under this section, which mortgage is eligible for
insurance under any Federal law administered by such
agency notwithstanding any requirements under such
law relating to age, physical condition, or other personal
characteristics of eligible mortgagors, and may make
commitments for the insurance of such mortgage prior to
the date of execution of the mortgage.
[11-309] REPLACEMENT HOUSING FOR TENANTS
AND CERTAIN OTHERS
Sec. 204. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized
by this title, the head of the Federal agency shall make a
payment to or for any displaced person displaced from
any dwelling not eligible to receive a payment under
section 203 which dwelling was actually and lawfully
occupied by such displaced person for not less than
ninety days prior to the initiation of negotiations for
acquisition of such dwelling. Such payment shall be
either—
4la
Exhibits.
(1) the amount necessary to enable’ such
displaced person to lease or rent for a period not to
exceed four years, a decent, safe, and sanitary
dwelling of standards adequate to accommodate
such person in areas not generally less desirable in
regard to public utilities and public and commercial
facilities, and reasonably accessible to his place of
employment, but not to exceed $4,000, or
(2) the amount necessary to enable such person
to make a downpayment (including incidental
expenses described in section 203(a)(1)(C)) on the
purchase of a dgcent, safe, and sanitary dwelling of
standards adequate to accommodate such person in
areas not generally less desirable in regard to public
utilities and public commercial facilities, but not to
exceed $4,000, except that if such amount exceeds
$2,000, such person must equally match any such
amount in excess of $2,000, in making the
downpayment.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ADVISORY SERVICES
Sec. 205. (a) Whenever the acquisition of real property
for a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency
in any State will result in the displacement of any person
on or after the effective date of this section, the head of
such agency shall provide a relocation assistance
advisory program for displaced persons which shall offer
the services described in subsection (c) of this section. If
such agency head determines that any person occupying
property immediately adjacent to the real property
acquired is caused substantial economic injury because
of the acquisition, he may offer such person relocation
advisory services under such program.
42a
Exhibits.
(b) Federal agencies administering programs which
may be of assistance to displaced persons covered by
this Act shall cooperate to the maximum extent feasible
with the Federal or State agency causing the
displacement to assure that such displaced persons
receive the maximum assistance available to them.
(c) Each relocation assistance advisory program
required by subsection (a) of this section shall include
such measures, facilities, or services as may be necessary
or appropriate in order to—
(1) determine the need, if any, of displaced
persons, for relocation assistance;
(11-310] (2) provide current and continuing
information on the availability, prices, and rentals,
of comparable decent, safe, and sanitary sales and
rental housing, and of comparable commercial
properties and locations for displaced businesses;
(3) assure that, within a reasonable period of
time, prior to displacement there will be available in
areas not generally less desirable in regard to public
utilities and public and commercial facilities and at
rents or prices within the financial means of the
families and individuals displaced, decent, safe, and
sanitary dwellings, as defined by such Federal
agency head, equal in number to the number of and
available to such displaced persons who require such
dwellings and reasonably accessible to their places
of employment, except that the head of that Federal
agency may prescribe by regulation situations when
such assurances may be waived;
(4) assist a displaced person from his business or
farm operation in obtaining and becoming
established in a suitable replacement location;
43a
Exhibits.
(5) supply information concerning Federal and
State housing programs, disaster loan programs,
and other Federal or State programs offering
assistance to displaced persons; and
(6) provide other advisory services to displaced
persons in order to minimize hardships to such
persons in adjusting to relocation.
(d) The heads of Federal agencies shall coordinate
relocation activities with project work, and other planned
or proposed governmental actions in the community or
nearby areas which may affect the carrying out of
relocation assistance programs.
HOUSING REPLACEMENT BY FEDERAL
AGENCY AS LAST RESORT
Sec. 206. (a) If a Federal project cannot proceed to
actual construction because comparable replacement sale
or rental housing is not available, and the head of the
Federal agency determines that such housing cannot
otherwise be made available he may take such action as
is necessary or appropriate to provide such housing by
use of funds authorized for such project.
(b) No person shall be required to move from his
dwelling on or after the effective date of this title, on
account of any Federal project, unless the Federal
agency head is satisfied that replacement housing, in
accordance with section 205(c)(3), is available to such
person.
44a
KM xhibits.
STATE REQUIRED TO FURNISH REAL PROPERTY
INCIDENT TO FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
(LOCAL COOPERATION)
Sec. 207. Whenever real property is acquired by a
State agency and furnished as a required contribution
incident to a Federal program or project, the Federal
agency having authority over the program or project
may not accept such property unless such State agency
has [11-311] made all payments and_ provided all
assistance and assurances, as are required of a State
agency by sections 210 and 305 of this Act. Such State
agency shall pay the cost of such requirements in the
same manner and to the same extent as the real property
acquired for such project, except that in the case of any
real property acquisition or displacement occurring prior
to July 1, 1972, such Federal agency shall pay 100 per
centum of the first $25,000 of the cost of providing such
payments and assistance.
STATE ACTING AS AGENT FOR FEDERAL PROGRAM
Sec. 208. Whenever real property is acquired by a
State agency at the request of a Federal agency for a
Federal program or project, such acquisition shall, for
the purposes of this Act, be deemed an acquisition by
the Federal agency having authority over such program
or project.
PUBLIC ‘WORKS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS OF THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
AND OF THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA
TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Sec. 209. Whenever real property is acquired by the
government of the District of Columbia or the
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for a
4he
KM xhihbita.
program or project which is not subject to sections 210
and 211 of this title, and such acquisition will result in
the displacement of any person on or after the effective
date of this Act, the Commissioner of the District of
Columbia or the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit
Authority, as the case may be, shall make all relocation
payments and provide all assistance revuired of a
Federal agency by this Act. Whenever real property is
acquired for such a program or project on or after such
effective date, such Commissioner or Authority, as the
case may be, shall make all payments and meet ail
requirements prescribed for a Federal agency by title III
of this Act.
REQUIREMENTS FOR RELOCATION PAYMENTS AND
ASSISTANCE OF FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGKAM,
ASSURANCES OF AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING
Sec. 210. Notwithstanding any other law, the head of
a Federal agency shall not approve any grant to, or
contract or agreement with, a State agency, under which
Federal financial assistance will be available to pay all or
part of the cost of any program or project which will
result in the displacement of any person on or after the
effective date of this title, unless he receives satisfactory
assurances from such State agency that—
(1) fair and reasonable relocation payments and
assistance shall be provided to or for displaced
persons, as are required to be provided by a Federal
agency under sections 202, 203, and 204 of this title;
[11-312] (2) relocation assistance programs
offering the services described in section 205 shall
be provided to such displaced persons;
Aba
Exhibits.
(3) within a reasonable period of time prior to
displacement, decent, safe, and sanitary replacement
dwellings will be available to displaced persons in
accordance with section 205(c)(3).
FEDERAL SHARE OF COSTS
Sec. 211. (a) The cost to a State agency of providing
payments and assistance pursuant to sections 206, 210,
215, and 305, shall be included as part of the cost of a
program or project for which Federal financial assistance
is available to such State agency, and such State agency
shall be eligible for Federal financial assistance with
respect to such payments and assistance in the same
manner and to the same extent as other program or
project costs, except that, notwithstanding any other law
in the case where the Federal financial assistance is by
grant or contribution, the Federal agency shall pay the
full amount of the first $25,000 of the cost to a State
agency of providing payments and assistance for a
displaced person under sections 206, 210, 215, and 305,
on account of any acquisition or displacement occurring
prior to July 1, 1972, and in any case where such Federal
financial assistance is by loan, the Federal agency shall
loan such State agency the full amount of the first
$25.000 of such cost.
(b) No payment or assistance under section 210 or
305 shall be required or included as a program or project
cost under this section, if the displaced person receives a
payment required by the State law of eminent domain
which is determined by such Federal agency head to
have substantially the same purpose and effect as such
payment under this section, and to be part of the cost of
the program or project for which Federal financial
assistance is available.
47a
Maxhitbita.
(c) Any grant to, or contract or agreement with, a
State agency executed before the effective date of this
title, under which Federal financial assistance is available
to pay all or part of the cost of any program or project
which will result in the displacement of any person on or
after the effective date of this Act, shall be amended to
include the cost of providing payments and services
under sections 210 and 305. If the head of a Federal
agency determines that it is necessary for the
expeditious completion of a program or project he may
advance to the State agency the Federal share of the
cost of any payments or assistance by such State agency
pursuant to sections 206, 210, 215, and 405.
ADMINISTRATION-—KELOCATIGN ASSISTANCE
IN PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Sec. 212. In order to prevent unnecessary expenses
and duplications of functions, and to promote uniform
and effective administration of relocation assistance
programs for displaced persons under sections 206, [II-
313] 210, and 215 of this title, a State agency may enter
into contracts with any individual, firm, association, or
corporation for services in connection with such
programs, or may carry out its functions under this title
through any Federal or State governmental agency or
instrumentality having an established organization for
conducting relocation assistance programs. Such State
agency shall, in carrying out the relocation assistance
activities described in section 206, whenever practicable,
utilize the services of State or local housing agencies, or
other agencies having experience in the administration or
conduct of similar housing assistance activities.
——
48a
Exhibits.
REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
Sec. 213. (a) In order to promote uniform and
effective administration of relocation assistance and land
acquisition of State or local housing agencies, or other
agencies having programs or projects by Federal
agencies or programs or projects by State agencies
receiving Federal financial assistance, the heads of
Federal agencies shall consult together on _ the
establishment of regulations and procedures for the
implementation of such programs.
(b) The head of each Federal agency is authorized to
establish such regulations and procedures as he may
determine to be necessary to assure—
(1) that the payments and assistance authorized
by this Act shall be administered in a manner which
is fair and reasonable, and as uniform as practicable;
(2) that a displaced person who makes proper
application for a payment authorized for such person
by this title shall be paid promptly after a move or,
in hardship cases, be paid in advance; and
(3) that any person aggrieved by a determination
as to eligibility for a payment authorized by this
Act, or the amount of a payment, may have his
application reviewed by the head of the Federal
agency having authority over the applicable
program or project, or in the case of a program or
project receiving Federal financial assistance, by the
head of the State agency.
(c) The head of each Federal agency may prescribe
such other regulations and procedures, consistent with
the provisions of this Act, as he deems necessary or
appropriate to carry out this Act.
49a
Exhibits.
ANNUAL REPORT
Sec. 214. The head of each Federal agency shall
prepare and submit an annual report to the President on
the activities of such agency with respect to the
programs and policies established or authorized by this
Act, and the President shall submit such reports to the
Congress not later than January 15 of each year,
beginning January 15, 1972, and [II-314] ending January
15, 1975, together with his comments. or
recommendations. Such reports shall give special
attention to: (1) the effectiveness of the provisions of this
Act assuring the availability of comparable replacement
housing, which is decent, safe, and sanitary, for
displaced homeowners and tenants; (2) actions taken by
the agency to achieve the objectives of the policies of
Congress, declared in this Act, to provide uniform and
equal treatment, to the greatest extent practicable, for
all persons displaced by, or having real property taken
for, Federal or federally assisted programs; (3) the views
of the Federal agency head on the progress made to
achieve such objectives in the various programs
conducted or administered by such agency, and among
the Federal agencies; (4) any indicated effects of such
programs and policies on the public; and (5) any
recommendations he may have for further improvements
in relocation assistance and land acquisition programs,
policies, and implementing laws and regulations.
PLANNING AND OTHER PRELIMINARY EXPENSES
FOR ADDITIONAL HOUSING
Sec. 215. In order to encourage and facilitate the
construction or rehabilitation of housing to meet the
needs of displaced persons who are displaced from
50a
Exhibits.
dwellings because of any Federal or Federal financially
assisted project, the head of the Federal agency
administering such project is authorized to make loans
as a part of the cost of any such project, or to approve
loans as a part of the cost of any such project receiving
Federal financial assistance, to nonprofit, limited
dividend, or cooperative organizations or to public
bodies, for necessary and reasonable expenses, prior to
construction, for planning and obtaining federally
insured mortgage financing for the rehabilitation or
construction of housing for such displaced persons.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, or any other
law, such loans shall be available for not to exceed 80 per
centum of the reasonable costs expected to be incurred in
planning, and in obtaining financing for, such housing,
prior to the availability of such financing, including, but
not limited to, preliminary surveys and analyses of
market needs, preliminary site engineering, preliminary
architectural fees, site acquisition, application and
mortgage commitment fees, and construction loan fees
and discounts. Loans to an organization established for
profit shall bear interest at a market rate established by
the head of such Federal agency. All other loans shall be
without interest. Such Federal agency head shall require
repayment of loans made under this section, under such
terms and conditions as he may require, upon completion
of the project or sooner, and except in the case of a loan
to an organization established for profit, may cancel any
part or all of a loan if he determines that a permanent
loan to finance the rehabilitation or the construction of
such housing cannot be obtained in an amount adequate
for repayment of such loan. Upon repayment of any such
loan, the Federal share of the [II-315] sum repaid shall be
credited to the account from which such loan was made,
5la
Exhibits.
unless the Secretary of the Treasury determines that
such account is no longer in existence, in which case
such sum shall be returned to the Treasury and credited
to miscellaneous receipts.
PAYMENTS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS INCOME
Sec. 216. No payment received under this title shall
be considered as income for the purposes of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954; or for the purposes of
determining the eligibility or the extent of eligibility of
any person for assistance under the Social Security Act
or any other Federal law.
DISPLACEMENT BY CODE ENFORCEMENT,
REHABILITATION, AND DEMOLITION
PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Sec. 217. A person who moves or discontinues his
business, or moves other personal property, or moves
from his dwelling on or after the effective date of this
Act, as a direct result of any project or program which
receives Federal financial assistance under title I of the
Housing Act of 1949, as amended, or as a result of
carrying out a comprehensive city demonstration
program under title I of the Demonstration Cities and
Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 shall, for the
purposes of this title, be deemed to have been displaced
as the result of the acquisition of real property.
TRANSFERS OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
Sec. 218. The Administrator of General Services is
authorized to transfer to a State agency for the purposes
of providing replacement housing required by this title,
any real property surplus to the needs of the United
52a
Exhibits.
States within the meaning of the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended. Such
transfer shall be subject to such terms and conditions as
the Administrator determines necessary to protect the
interests of the United States and may be made without
monetary consideration, except that such State agency
shall pay to the United States all amounts received by
such agency from any sale, lease, or other disposition of
such property for such housing.
DISPLACEMENT BY A SPECIFIC PROGRAM
Sec. 219. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
title, a person—
(1) who moves or discontinues his business,
moves other personal property, or moves from his
dwelling on or after January 1, 1969, and before the
90th day after the date of enactment of this Act as
the result of the contemplated demolition of
structures or the construction of improvements on
real property acquired, in whole or in part, by a
Federal agency within the area in New [I1-316] York,
New York, bounded by Lexington and Third
Avenues and 31st and 32nd Streets; and
(2) who has lived on, or conducted a business on,
such real property for at least one year prior to the
date of enactment of this Act;
may be considered a displaced person for purposes of
sections 202(a) and (b), 204, and 205 of this title, by the
head of the agency acquiring the real property if—
(A) the head of the agency determines that such
person has suffered undue hardship as the result of
displacement from the real property; and
53a
Exhibits. \
(B) the Federal Government acquired and held
such property for at least five years prior to the
date of enactment of this Act.
REPEALS
Sec. 220. (a) The following laws and parts of laws are
hereby repealed:
(1) The Act entitled ‘‘An Act to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to reimburse owners of lands
acquired for development under his jurisdiction for their
moving expenses, and for other purposes,” approved
May 29, 1958 (43 U.S.C. 1221-1234).
(2) Paragraph 14 of section 203(b) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (42 U.S.C. 2473).
(3) Section 2680 of title 10, United States Code.
(4) Section 7(b) of the Urban Mass Transportation
Act of 1965 (49 U.S.C. 1506(b)).
(5) Section 114 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C.
1465).
(6) Paragraphs (7}(b)iii) and (8) of section 15 of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1415,
1415(8)), except the first sentence of paragraph (8).
(7) Section 2 of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to authorize
the Commissioners of the District of Columbia to pay
relocation costs made necessary by actions of the
District of Columbia government, and for other
purposes”, approved October 6, 1964 (78 Stat. 1004;
Public Law 88-629; D.C. Code 5-729).
(8) Section 404 of the Housing and Urban
Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3074).
54a
Exhibits.
(9) Sections 107 (b) and (c) of the Demonstration
Cities and Metropolitan Developrnent Act of 1966 (42
U.S.C. 3307).
(10) Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code.
(11) Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal-Aid Highway
Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-495).
(b) Any rights or liabilities now existing under prior
Acts or portions thereof shall not be affected by the
repeal of such prior Acts or portions thereof under
subsection (a) of this section.
[11-317] EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 221. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and
(c) of this section, this Act and the amendments made by
this Act shall take effect on the date of its enactment.
(b) Until July 1, 1972, sections 210 and 305 shall be
applicable to a State only to the extent that such State
is able under its laws to comply with such sections. After
July 1, 1972, such sections shall be completely applicable
to all States. }
(c) The repeals made by paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (8), (9),
(10), (11), and (12) of section 220(a) of this title aud
section 306 of title III shall not apply to any State so
long as sections 210 and 305 are not applicable in such
State.
TITLE III—UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY
ACQUISITION POLICY
(Secs. 301-305: 42 U.S.C., 4651-4655)
55a
Exhibits.
UNIFORM POLICY ON REAL PROPERTY
ACQUISITION POLICY
Sec. 301. In order to encourage and expedite the
acquisition of real property by agreements with owners,
to avoid litigation and relieve congestion in the courts, to
assure consistent treatment for owners in the many
Federal programs, and to promote public confidence in
Federal land acquisition practices, heads of Federal
agencies shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be
guided by the following policies:
(i) The head of a Federal agency shall make every
reasonable effort to acquire expeditiously real property
by negotiation.
(2) Real property shall be appraised before the
initiation of negotiations, and the owner or his
designated representative shall be given an opportunity
toe accompany the appraiser during his inspection of the
property.
(3) Before the initiation of negotiations for real
property, the head of the Federal agency concerned shall
establish an amount which he believes to be just
compensaty, therefor and shall make a prompt offer to
acquire the property for the full amount so established.
In no event shall such amount be less than the agency’s
approved appraisal of the fair market value of such
property. Any decrease or increase in the fair market
value of real property prior to the date of valuation
caused by the public improvement for which such
property is acquired, or by the likelihood that the
property would be acquired for such improvement, other
than that due to physical deterioration within the
reasonable control of the owner, will be disregarded in
56a
Exhibits.
determining the compensation for the property. The head
of the Federal agency concerned shall provide the owner
of real property to be acquired with a written statement
of, and summary of the basis for, the amount he
established as just compensation. Where appropriate the
just compensation for the [II-318] real property acquired
and for damages to remaining real property shall be
separately stated.
(4) No owner shall be required to surrender possession
of real property before the head of the Federal agency .
concerned pays the agreed purchase price, or deposits
with the court in accordance with section 1 of the Act of
February 26, 1931 (46 Stat. 1421; 40 U.S.C. 258a), for
the benefit of the owner, an amount not less than the
agency's approved appraisal of the fair market value of
such property, or the amount of property.
(5) The construction or development of a_ public
improvement shall be so scheduled that, to the greatest
extent practicable, no person lawfully occupying real
property shall be required to move from a dwelling
(assuming a replacement dwelling as required by title II
will be available), or to move his business or farm
operation, without at least ninety days’ written notice
from the head of the Federal agency concerned, of the
date by which such move is required.
(6) If the head of a Federal agency permits an owner
or tenant to occupy the real property acquired on a
rental basis for a short term or for a period subject to
termination by the Government on short notice, the
amount of rent required shall not exceed the fair rental
value of the property to a short-term occupier.
57a
Exhibits.
(7) In no event shall the head of a Federal agency
either advance the time of condemnation, or defer
negotiations or condemnation and the deposit of funds in
court for the use of the owner, or take any other action
coercive in nature, in order to compel an agreement on
the price to be paid for the property.
(8) If any interest in real property is to be acquired
by exercise of the power of eminent domain, the head of
the Federal agency concerned shall institute formal
condemnation proceedings. No Federal agency head shall
intentionally make it necessary for an owner to institute
legal proceedings to prove tne fact of the taking of his
real property.
(9) If the acquisition of only part of a property would
leave its owner with an uneconomic remnant, the head of
the Federal agency concerned shall offer to acquire the
entire property.
BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Sec. 302. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, if the head of a Federal agency acquires any interest
in real property in any State, he shall acquire at least an
equal interest in all buildings, structures, or other
improvements located upon the real property so acquired
and which he requires to be removed from such real
property or which he determines will be adversely
affected by the use to which such real property will be
put.
{11-319} (b)(1) For the purpose of determining the just
compensation to be paid for any building, structure, or
other improvement required to be acquired by subsection
(a) of this section, such building, structure, or other
58a
Exhibits.
improvement shall be deemed to be a part of the real
property to be acquired notwithstanding the right or
obligation of a tenant, as against the owner of any other
interest in the real property, to remove such building,
structure, or improvement at the expiration of his term,
and the fair market value which such building, structure,
or improvement contributes to the fair market value of
the real property to be acquired, or the fair market value
of such building, structure, or improvement for removal
from the real property, whichever is the greater, shall be
paid to the tenant therefor.
(2) Payment under this subsection shall not result in
duplication of any payments otherwise authorized by
law. No such payment shall be made unless the owner of
the land involved disclaims all interest in the
improvements of the tenant. In consideration for any
such payment, the tenant shall assign, transfer, and
release to the United States all his right, title, and
interest in and to such improvements. Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed to deprive the tenant of
any rights to reject payment under this subsection and
to obtain payment for such property interests in
accordance with applicable law, other than this
subsection.
EXPENSES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSFER OF
TITLE TO UNITED STATES
Sec. 303. The head of a Federa! agency, as soon as
practicable after the date of payment of the purchase
price or the date of deposit in court of funds to satisfy
the award of compensation in a condemnation proceeding
to acquire real property, whichever is the earlier, shall
59a
Exhibits.
reimburse the owner, to the extent the head of such
agency deems fair and reasonable, for expenses he
necessarily incurred for—
(i) recording fees, transfer taxes, and similar
expenses incidental to conveying such real property
to the United States;
(2) penalty costs for prepayment of any
preexisting recorded mortgage entered into in good
faith encumbering such real property; and
(3) the pro rata portion of real property taxes
paid which are allocable to a period subsequent to
the date of vesting title in the United States, or the
effective date of possession of such real property by
the United States, whichever is the earlier.
LITIGATION EXPENSES
Sec. 304. (a) The Federal court having jurisdiction of
a proceeding instituted by a Federal agency to acquire
real property by condemnation shall award the owner of
any right, or title to. or interest in, such real property
such sum as will in the opinion of the court reimburse
[11-320] such owner for his reasonable costs,
disbursements, and expenses, including reasonable
attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees, actualiy
incurred because of the condemnation proceedings, if—
(1) the final judgment is that the Federal agency
cannot acquire the real property by condemnation;
or
(2) the proceeding is abandoned by the United
States.
60a
Exhibits.
(b) Any award made pursuant to subsection (a) of this
section shall be paid by the heard of the Federal agency
for whose benefit the condemnation proceedings was
instituted.
(c) The court rendering a judgment for the plaintiff in
a proceeding brought under section 1346(a)(2) or 1491 of
title 28, United States Code, awarding compensation for
the taking of property by a Federal agency, or the
Attorney General effecting a settlement of any such
proceeding, shall determine and award or allow to such
plaintiff, as a part of such judgment or settlement, such
sum as will in the opinion of the court or the Attorney
General reimburse such plaintiff for his reasonable costs,
disbursements, and expenses, including reasonable
attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees, actually
incurred because of such proceedings.
REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIFORM LAND ACQUISITION
POLICIES; PAYMENTS OF EXPENSES INCIDENTAL
TO TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY TO STATE;
PAYMENT OF LITIGATION EXPENSES IN CERTAIN
CASES
Sec. 305. Notwithstanding any other law, the head of
a Federal agency shall not approve any program or
project or any grant to, or contract or agreement with, a
State agency under which Federal financial assistance
will be available to pay all or part of the cost of any
program or project which will result in the acquisition of
real property on and after the effective date of this title,
unless he receives satisfactory assurances from such
State agency that—
6la
Exhibits.
(1) in acquiring real property it will be guided, to
the greatest extent practicable under State law, by
the land acquisition policies in section 301 and the
provisions of section 302, and
(2' property owners will be paid or reimbursed for
necessary expenses as specified in sections 303 and
304,
REPEALS
Sec. 306. Sections 401, 402, and 403 of the Housing
and Urban Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3071-
3073), section 35(a) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of
1968 (23 U.S.C. 141) and section 301 of the Land
Acquisition Policy Act of 1960 (33 U.S.C. 596) are hereby
repealed. Any rights or liabilities now existing under
prior Acts or portions thereof shall not be affected by
the repeal of such prior Act or portions thereof under
this section.
62a
EXHIBIT #1-B
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 5, 1978
In reply refer to: HCC-40
Subject: INFORMATION: Just Compensation for Signs
From: Federal Highway Administrator
To: Regional Administrators
Regions 1-10 and 15
Sections 122(a) and 122(b) of the Surface Transportation
Assistance Act of 1978 amended sections 131(g) and (k)
of title 23, U.S.C. to read as follows:
(g) Just compensation shall be paid upon the
removal of any outdoor advertising sign, display, or
device lawfully erected under State law and not
permitted under subsection (c) of this section,
whether or not removed pursuant to or because of
this section. The Federal share of such compensation
shall be 75 per centum. Such compensation shall be
paid for the following:
(A) The taking from the owner of such sign,
display, or device of all right, title, leasehold, and
interest in such sign, display, or device; and
(B) The taking from the owner of the real
property on which the sign, display, or device is
located, of the right to erect and maintain such
signs, displays, and devices thereon.
+ * + *&* *& & &
63a
Exhibits.
(k) [Nothing] Subject to compliance with
subsection (g) of this section for the payment of just
compensation, nothing in this section shall prohibit
a State from establishing standards imposing
stricter limitations with respect to signs, displays,
and devices on the Federal-aid highway systems
than those established under this section.
[New language is italicized, striken language is in
brackets.]
These two amendments overrule an opinion on the
subject of this memorandum by the Chief Counsel
transmitted to your office by former Federal Highway
Administrator Norbert T. Tiemann on December 8, 1976.
Similarly affected are memorandums issued September 6,
1972 and December 13, 1974, dealing with ordinances in
New Castle, Delaware and Madison, Wisconsin, on the
above subject and withdrawn by the Chief Counsel in
memorandums of June 20 and August 20, 1975. The
statute requires the States to provide just compensation
upon the removal of signs legally in existence on or after
November 6, 1978, the effective date of the 1978
amendments, which do not conform to the definition
found at 23 U.S.C. Section 131(c) if they wish to remain
in compliance with the Highway Beautification Act. As
of November 6, 1978, non-compliance with the
compensation requirement will subject a State to the
penalty provisions as provided by Title 23, Section
131(b).
Among other actions concerning the program is a
proposed review of the entire outdoor advertising control
program, including appropriate issuances in the Federal
Register and public hearings. We anticipate sending out
more specific guidance in this area in the very near
future. KARL S. BOWERS
Karl S. Bowers
EXHIBIT #2
Peeerel yee — ernetetiee) corel oe
65a
EXHIBIT #3
Book 2514 Page 311
ADVERTISING LEASE
This Agreement, made this 7th day of November 1962,
by and between Wes Outdoor Adv. Co. as Tenant and
Dupar Corp. as Landlord.
In consideration of the covenants herein set forth, the
Landlord leases to the Tenant, so much of the plot of
ground located in the Twp. of Union, County of Ocean
and State of New Jersey, known and designated as
Entire Frontage between Rt. 539 and the County Line as
may be necessary for the construction of signs and sign
structures and supports thereof measuring
approximately 12 to 60 feet in length, with the right of
the Tenant to maintain, erect, service and illuminate
advertisements on such structures for a term of two
year(s) from the date of erection at the annual rent of
$600.00, or 1.00 per lineal sign foot payable in equal
yearly installments, and the Landlord grants to the
Tenant an option to renew this lease perpetually for a
iike period of time under the same terms and conditions
and at the same rental with a like covenant for future
renewals of the Lease. Said option to renew may be
exercised by the Tenant by tendering to the Landlord
the annual rent due.
The Landlord covenants not to permit any other form
of advertising structures, advertisements, or bulletins on
any other part of said premises and it is of the essence of
this Agreement that the Landlord will not, under penalty
of damages, lease or permit any sign or signs nearer than
300 feet of either end of the structures of the Tenant.
The Landlord will not obstruct the view of the Tenants
structures and grants to the Tenant, permission to
66a
Exhibits.
remove any obstruction to the view of the sign
structures, and at the option of the Tenant to trim trees,
shrubs, and other growth to keep the view of said signs
unobstructed.
The parties hereto understand and agree that any
equipment placed upon the land by the Tenant shall be
and remain the property of the Tenant, and the same
may be removed from the leased premises at any
reasonable time after the expiration of this Lease or any
renewal thereof.
The Landlord represents and warrants that he is the
owner or agent of the premises described herein and that
he or she has a full authority of the owner of said
premises to make this Lease.
It is expressly understood that neither the Landlord
nor the Tenant is bound by stipulations, representations,
or agreements not printed or written in this Lease. This
Lease shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the personal representatives, heirs, successors and
assigns of the parties hereto.
This Lease is payable $200 during November and $400
during July of each year.
JODI GREEMAN (L.S.)
Landlord
WESLEY KENNETH BELL, PRES. (L.S.)
Tenant
Wes Outdoor Adv. Co.
DI ERIE ere ys at
TERY oO aa
67a
Exhibits.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY )
Ss.:
COUNTY OF OCEAN )
BE IT REMEMBERED THAT IN THIS 7th day of
November in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine
Hundred and Sixty-two, before me, the undersigned, a
Notary Public of New Jersey, personally appeared
Wesley Kenneth Bell who I am satisfied is the Lessor
mentioned in the within Lease, to whom I first made
known the contents thereof, and thereupon he
acknowledged that he signed, sealed & delivered the
same as & for his voluntary act and deed for the uses &
purposes therein expressed.
JEANNE L. GERASIN
Notary Public (Seal)
A Notary Public of
New Jersey
My Commission Expires
Oct. 16, 1966
Return to—
“ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS’’-
WES OUTDOOR ADV. CO.
Manahawkin, N.J.
P.O. Box 538 LYceum 7-2100
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73a
EXHIBIT #6
WES CUTDOOR ADV. CO.
Manahawkin, N.J.
Established 1957 P.O. Box 538 Zip 08050
609-597-3222 ~
RECEIVED
FEB 25 1985
Assistant Attorney General
JAMES J. CIANCIA
James J. Ciancia February 25th., 1985
Assistant Attorney General
Transportation Section
N.J. Dept. of Transportation
Hughes Justice Complex C.N. 112
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Dear Mr. Ciancia:
+Attached-ie} (W.B.) Upon receipt I will supply a copy of
a survey completed by my engineer today, on Lot 8
Block 120, in Stafford Township.
Your designation of this parcel is #L22B.
This survey clearly shows that the billboard poles are not
on State D.O.T. right-of-way.
This parcei and billboard were not at issue before Judge
Thompson, when she made her decision on September
28th., 1983 (see Monteforte certification attached).
Your agency illegally removed the billboard at this site,
in 1968 and again on September 30th., 1983 and
attempted again, for a third time, to remove the re-
construction on October 25th., 1984.
74a
Exhibits.
I have been informed that your agency has again
scheduled this site for demolition on February 2é6th.,
1985 (tomorrow) and I am informing you by service of
this letter and attachments, that I own the lands in
question and that the State has “no rightful access”’.
Mr. William Anderson, senior engineer with the New
Jersey Department of Transportation, is familiar with
this parcel of land and is also familiar with the State’s
error in the actual locating of the property lines. Mr.
Anderson worked on the original survey of this site for
myself, when he was employed by Thomas J. Taylor,
Engineers in the 1960's.
I suggest that you immediately correct your maps after
the proper locating of this site.
The State chose not to defend their survey in the matter
of Wes Outdoor Advertising Co. v. Ole Hansen & Sons v.
N.J. D.O.T., Docket No. “-25351-68 and now, to re-
assert their position is barred by res judicata and
collateral estoppel and in fact, my most recent survey
shows that the State is incorrect.
I do hope that your agency will discontinue these
oppressive actions which have become evident over the
years, resulting in needless court actions for both of us.
Sincerely,
WESLEY K. BELL
Wesley K. Bell t/a
WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CO.
P.O. Box 538 188 Route #72
Manahawkin, N.J. 08050
WKBlab (609) 597-3222
Encl.
cc: John Nettleton, N.J.D.O.T.
Serta amen glcin
Pes :
Sees de,
+
So gear ee =
75a
EXHIBIT #7
News Article with Photo, November 1, 1984
Page 1, Beacon, Thursday, November 1, 1984
Bell wins one in new billboard battle ;
Tract ownership
is questioned
and causes delay
By NEIL A. SHEEHAN
News Editor
MANAHAWKIN — It began
almost the same way as a scene
played out slightly more than a year
ago but this time the results were
work crew arrived at the site of a
partially constructed billboard on
Route 72 near the southbound exit to
Route 9 and owned by former
Stafford Township Mayor Wesley K.
Bell.
Ordered by the staie to remove
pilings erected for the sign because
they allegedly encroach on state
property, the crew of about 15
brought with it a crane, several
trucks and assorted equipment to
perform the task. A State Police
officer also accompanied the crew.
Bell, owner of the Wes Outdoor
Advertising Co., arrived at the scene
as the crew was about to begin work
and convinced DOT supervisor John
Nettleton and State Trooper David
Scalley of the Tuckerton Barracks to
wait until he could obtain proof that
he owned the site and that the action
with him documents from his long-
Txnes- Beacon photc by Nell A. Sheehan
Billboard
Page 6, Beacon, Thursday. November 1, 1984
Continued from pege 1
the crew had to remove the
sign was incorrect because
the courts had not ruled on
the ,
“You have no notice on
ferring with Nettleton,
Scalley advised the crew to
leave because it did not
have enough proof to back
up its order. He warned
Bell, however, that the
crew would return with a
more specific order and
someone familiar with the
case.
“The issue is when we
come back next time we’re
going to have the nece
paperwork to do the
necessary work,” Scalley
said. “We'll also have
court’s ruling, began
rebuilding it last spring.
Township officials
charged that the con
term legal battle with the state over Former Stafford Mayor Wesley K. Bell, owner of Wes Outdoor Advertising, searches his someone who knows more
the site. Bell argued that the order records for deed to property on Reute-72 to prevent state from removing billboard pilings,
Continued on pege6 = while State Police Sgt. David Scalley waits behind Bell.
BEST AVAILABLE COPY
77a
EXHIBIT #8
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
LAW DIVISION—OCEAN COUNTY
WESLEY K. BELL, t/a WES OUTDOOR
ADVERTISING CO.,
Plaintiff,
vs.
TOWNSHIP OF STAFFORD, a municipality in the
County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, ROBERT H.
MEARS, Construction Official of the Township of
Stafford, and THE COUNTY OF OCEAN,
Defendants.
Docket No. L-048921-84 P.W.
CIVIL ACTION
ORDER FOR JUDGMENT
This matter having been brought before the Court
upon the plaintiff, Wesley K. Bell, t/a Wes Outdoor
Advertising Company, having filed a Verified Complaint
in Lieu of Prerogative Writ against the Township of
Stafford, Robert H. Mears, the Construction Official of
the Township of Stafford and the County of Ocean; and
Schuman & Butz, P.A. being substituted as attorneys
for plaintiff in place of Sterns, Herbert & Weinroth, P.A.;
and Gilmore & Monahan, P.A. having filed an Answer on
behalf of the defendant the Township of Stafford and
Robert H. Mears; and Berry, Kagan, Privetera &
Sahradnik having filed an Answer on behalf of the
78a
Exhibits.
County of Ocean; it further appearing from the record
that summary judgment was granted in favor of the
defendant the County of Ocean and Robert H. Mears on
Count 4 of the Complaint thus removing the defendant,
the County of Ocean, as a party for trial; and this matter
having been brought before the Court for trial and
during the course of the trial, the plaintiff moved to
amend the Complaint to challenge the validity of
Ordinance 85-68 which ordinance was adopted during the
pendancy of this action and subsequent to Ordinance 84-
35 which was the subject matter of the Complaint; and
the Court after considering the testimony of the
witnesses presented at trial; and after considering the
legal argument of counsel; and for good cause having
been shown;
It is therefore on this 14 day of March, 1986,
ORDERED as follows:
1. Ordinance No. 84-35 and Ordinance No. 85-68 are
constitutionally valid Ordinances and legally adopted
Ordinances.
2. The plaintiff may not re-erect a billboard on Lot
26A, Block 145A.
3. The plaintiff may re-erect a billboard previously
removed from Block 120, Lot 8. This Court finds that
the billboard was improperly removed by the New Jersey
Department of ‘Transportation and as_ such, the
negligence and/or wrongdoing of the Department of
Transportation, is imputed to the Township of Stafford
and the Township of Stafford may not enforce its zoning
ordinance prohibiting the erection of a billboard on that
site.
79a
Exhibits.
4. The plaintiff may not repair the existing billboard
upon Block 158A, Lots 114 and 119 by relocating
thereon a billboard from Lot 3, Block 181.
5. The plaintiff, before erecting a billboard on Block
120, Lot 8, shall prepare the necessary application and
submit the same to the Construction Code Official,
Robert H. Mears, along with a copy of a site diagram
showing the location of the billboard on the subject site.
6. The Order granting a Stay in this matter signed by
the Honorable Henry H. Wiley, J.S.C. on the first day of
August 1984 is hereby dissolved and the plaintiff is
hereby ordered to remove the utility poles, billboard face
and all portions of the billboards from Block 145A, Lot
26 no later than four weeks from the date of this Order.
If the plaintiff fails to remove the same, then it may be
removed by the defendant, the Township of Stafford’s
employees, and the costs thereof shall be paid by the
plaintiff.
WILLIAM J. KEARNEY, J.S.C.
WJ KEARNEY
8la
EXHIBIT #49
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SSSSSHSSESSSSESEOSE SEES OOEE Pin... TI
neil
panels APPLICATIONS OF WES OUTDOOR ABvERTINING CO.
AMS EXGISTING SIGNS BEING LITIGATED
a $
& APPLICATIONS ABANDONED
Gy 1Oms Licinsem 10 Wes OuTBOKR ADVERTISING ce.
al COMNBEMMATIONS WITHDRAWN
MO CONDEMNATIOWS EVER STARTEO
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oS:
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° ry
ws
i 1’
, bea*
pecccccccccccevesscosscososessssses F900 S00 0009
eorvcee ee
Dawceccscscsersiee
a —
PARCELS R16, R17, 18C, 19C, Beez
L168, LI7C, LR188, 12198, 1228, 19K;
| | 1238, 1248, 139 & 40
PARCEL (48
PARCELS
LI7E &170 parce. L228 parce. L2R°31D
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83a
EXHIBIT #10
IRWIN I. KIMMELMAN
Attorney General of New Jersey
Attorney for Defendants
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
CN 114
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-5709
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
For the District of New Jersey
WESLEY K. BELL, Individually and d/b/a
WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CO.,
Plaintiff,
Vv.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, JOHN J. DEGNAN
DOROTHY ANDRES, AND NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
Defendants.
Civil Action No. 80-531
CERTIFICATION
NICKOLAS F. MONTEFORTE, of full age, says:
1. On November 8, 1977, the Department of
Transportation served upon Wesley K. Bell eight notices
of eight separate sign encroachments on State right of
way. Those notices, copies of which are attached as
Exhibit “K,’’ were as follows:
84a
Exhibits.
GENERAL PROPERTY
| PARCEL SIGN
SIGN ENCROACHMENT MAP PARCEL NOS.
3SE9-86 L-11B
3SE9-87 L-22, 23 & 23B*
3SE9-88 L-4B
3SE9-89 L-17G
3SE9-90 L-17D
3SE9-91 L-22B
3SE9-92 L-22C
3SE9-93 L-2R31D
2. On December 19, 1977, Michael Malin, Esquire,
attorney for Wesley K. Bell, wrote to the Department
requesting that the Notices of Encroachments, copies of
which are attached as Exhibit ‘‘L,’’ be withdrawn or, in
the alternative, that a hearing be granted.
3. Concurrently, on or about December 19, 1977,
Wesley K. Bell, through his attorney Mr. Malin,
instituted Civil Action No. 77-1531 in the United States
District Court.
4. Also, concurrently, the case of Bell v. Kohl was
proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey,
Chancery Division, Ocean County, Docket No. C-2643-73.
In that action, Bell was attacking, inter alia, the
constitutionality of the Eminent Domain proceeding
previously instituted by the Department of
Transportation against properties in which he claimed an
interest.
5. Although it was the opinion of the Department
that the encroaching signs were not the subject of a
valid permit, and were on State property, and, therefore,
* This parcel is not involved in the matter now before the Court.
85a
Exhibits.
were not within the purview of N.J.A.C. 16:41-8.11 with
respect to the hearing entitlement provisions of N.J.A.C.
16:41-8.12, copies attached as Exhibit ‘‘M,’’ nevertheless
because of the various claims presented by Mr. Bell in
the civil action, it was decided that a hearing would be
desirable under the circumstances.
6. Thereafter on January 10, 1978, Mr. Bell, via his
attorney, Mr. Malin, was notified that a hearing would
be held on January 31, 1978, copy attached as Exhibit
——
7. Subsequently, on January 17, 1978, Mr. Malin
wrote to ine advising that he intended to file a motion to
restrain the hearing and requesting that I agree to hold
up the hearing, copy attached as Exhibit ‘‘O.”’
8. On January 25, 1978, I replied to Mr. Malin
advising him to seek adjournment from the hearing
examiner and that I would not consent to it but also
would not oppose his request, copy attached as Exhibit
“i
9. In early January 1978, Wesley K. Bell moved in
United States District Court to enjoin the hearing.
10. On January 31, 1978, at the hearing Mr. Bell,
through his attorney, took the position that the
Commissioner of Transportation could not proceed with
the hearing and stated that the subject of the hearing
was before both the United States District Court (Civil
Action No. 77-1531) and the Appellate Division of the
Superior Court of New Jersey (Docket No. A-3891-76).
Transcript p. 6, L. 20 through p. 8, L. 20, copies
attached as Exhibit ‘Q”’.
86a
Exhibits.
li. At the hearing, I represented the New Jersey
Department of Transportation. The hearing proceeded
until 4:40 p.m. on January 31, 1978. Contrary to the
position taken by the plaintiff, the hearing was not
adjourned because of a request made either by the
Department of Transportation or me as their counsel. It
was adjourned at that time due to the lateness of the
hour, and because Mr. Malin had to ‘make a train.’’
(Transcript p. 129, L. 21 through p. 130, L. 9, copies
attached as Exhibit ‘“‘R.”’) Former Attorney General
John J. Degnan was not present at this hearing. He had
been sworn in as Attorney General less than two weeks
earlier.
12. The hearing was adjourned without date. To the
best of my knowledge, Former Attorney General Degnan
knew of neither the hearing nor the subject matter of
said hearing.
13. It is my recollection that Mr. Malin did not wish
the matter to resume until after he had received and read
the transcript and until he had returned from a trip to
the Soviet Union which he had planned to take in March
of 1978. He was to contact me with respect to a
continuance date for the hearing.
14. On February 8, 1978, Mr. Malin requested that
the State produce certain witnesses at the next hearing
date, copy attached as Exhibit ‘‘S.”’
15. Mr. Malin’s request was denied by letter dated
March 9, 1978, copy attached as Exhibit ‘‘T.”’
16. I never heard from Mr. Malin again with respect
to the hearing. I did not know when he returned from
vacation, nor did he advise me that he was at any time
87a
Exhibits.
ready to proceed with the matter or advise me of a date
on which the matter could be rescheduled. This action
was consistent with the move to enjoin the hearing.
17. Once the hearing was assigned to a _ hearing
examiner in December 1977, the defendant, Dorothy L.
Andres, took no part in the proceedings. She neither
adjourned the matter nor did she have the authority to
adjourn. Further, she had nothing whatsoever to do with
the rescheduling.
18. In due course, the issues which were before the
hearing examiner and which according to Mr. Malin were
exactly the same as those before the United States
District Court and the Appellate Division of the Superior
Court of New Jersey (Hearing transcript, supra) were
decided in favor of the Department of Transportation by
those courts. As a result of the decisions, which applied
to all parcels, (except L2R31D which had not been a part
of those actions) it became absolutely clear that
ownership of the land was vested in the State of New
Jersey, Department of Transportation. In addition, the
location of the signs on the property has been admitted
by Wesley K. Bell in his verified petition for temporary
restraints in this action. Hence, it is clear that if the
hearing were to be resumed it could reach no conclusion
that has not already been decided. It is just as clear
that, as a matter of law, no permit may be issued for
these signs and that they must be removed.
19. Regarding parcel E31B/L2R31D, Department
records revealed a deed date December 5, 1974, recorded
January 8, 1975, from Egan Kahl, et al, into the State,
Book 3433, Page 225, Ocean County. However, there was
a previously recorded contract for sale of the same parcel
88a
Exhibits.
from the prior owner, Gustav Foster, to Wesley K. Bell.
The contract was dated December 26, 1968, and recorded
on December 30, 1968, in Book 2865, Page 400, Ocean
County. Foster conveyed to Kahl, et al, by deed dated
November 24, 1971, recorded February 8, 1972, in Book
3186, Page 797.
It was the Department’s understanding that there had
been a breach of the 1968 contract by Mr. Bell and that
the contract was invalid. Nevertheless, while asserting
tit’ = the E31B/L2R31D property, it was recognized
taat Mr, Bell should be given the opportunity to produce
uuy and all documentation to show entitlement to a
perrait for the sign located on E31B/L2R31D. Both the
November 13, 1979, letter, Exhibit “F’’, Andres
Affidavit, and the February 5, 1980, letter, attached
hereto as Exhibit ‘‘U,”’ requested that he provide this
documentation. Plaintiff has failed to respond to either
letter and it is submitted that no such documentation
can be produced.
20. Attached for the convenience of the court are the
following documents (respectively Exhibits ‘‘V"’ through
BB") indicating proof of ownership of the subject
parcels by the New Jersey Department of
Transportation:
a. Complaint, Declaration of Taking or Lis
Pendens, where applicable, Order for Possession,
Report of Commissioners, and, if appealed, a copy of
the Judgment on Appeal for parcels L-11B, L-4B, L-
17G, L-17D, L-22B and L-22C.
b. Copy of Deed dated December 5, 1974,
recorded January 8, 1975, from Egan Kahl, et al, to
New Jersey Department of Transportation.
89a
Exhibits. ,
The foregoing statements made by me are true. I am
aware that if any of the foregoing statements made by
me are wilfully false, I am subject to punishment.
NICKOLAS F. MONTEFORTE
9a
EXHIBIT #11
IRWIN I. KIMMELMAN
Attorney General of New Jersey
Attorney for Defendants
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
CN 114
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-5709
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
For the District of New Jersey
WESLEY K. BELL, Individually and d/b/a
WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CO.,
Plaintiff,
v.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, JOHN J. DEGNAN,
DOROTHY ANDRES, and NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
Defendants.
Civil Action No. 80-531
AFFIDAVIT OF DONALD CATTS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY )
) Ss.:
COUNTY OF MERCER )
DONALD CATTS of full age, being duly sworn
according to law, deposes and says:
i. I am employed by the New Jersey Department of
Transportation in the present capacity of Senior
Engineer and have been employed by DOT for the past
19 years.
9la
Exhibits.
2. During the latter part of 1977, I served as Chief of
a Field Party assigned to survey the location of the Wes
Outdoor Advertising Company signs which are the
subject of the present action and which were also the
subject of Violation Notices sent out in November, 1977.
3. As a result of that survey a map plotting of each
encroachment was made on the existing State Highway
Department General Property Parcel Map applicable to
each parcel.
4. True and exact copies of these maps showing each
parcel and its respective encroachment are attached
hereto as Exhibits A through D.
5(a) Parcel L11B appears on Exhibit A: General
Property Parcel Map Route 72, Section 6, Sheet 3 of 7.
(b) Parcel L4B appears on Exhibit B: General
Property Parcel Map Route 72, Section 7, Sheet 1 of 11.
(c) Parcels L17G, L17D, L22B and L22C appear on
Exhibit C: General Property Parcel Map Route 72,
Section 7, Sheet 2 of 11.
(d) Parcel L2R31D appears on Exhibit D: General
Property Parcel Map Route 72, Section 7, Sheet 3 of 11.
DONALD D. CATTS
Donald Catts
Sworn and subscribed before me
this 2nd day of September, 1982
NICKOLAS F. MONTEFORTE
Nickolas F. Monteforte
An Attorney-at-Law of New Jersey
92a
EXHIBIT 412
(Seal)
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Department of Transportation
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
In Reply Please Refer to
Route: 72
Section: 7
Parcel: L2R31D
Kahl, Ackaway
Al Am Sagner
Commissioner
February 3, 1975
Mr. Michael Ackaway
368 Hilltop Road
Toms River, New Jersey
Dear Mr. Ackaway:
The State Treasurer has issued a warrant check for
$12,000.00, No. A711800, dated January 29, 1975,
payable to Egon Kahl & Ede Kahl and Michael & Rita
Ackaway, in settlement of the claim against the State of
New Jersey by reason of the conveyance to the State of
the above designated parcel. This check will be
forwarded upon the disposition of the following.
1. Proof to be furnished of payment of the 1975
real estate taxes to the date of possession.
2. Bargain and Sale Deed to Be Produced:
From Wesley Kenneth Bell, for easement as
contained in DB3187 page 1.
93a
Exhibits.
3. Notification of acceptance of possession to be
furnished this office by the Bureau of Property and
Relocation. This can be accomplished by notifying
Mr. Paul Pearson, Freehoid, NJ, at the following
telephone number: 201-431-4500.
4. The enclosed Order of Dismissal to be
executed and returned to this office.
Very truly yours,
PAUL J. HOWARD
Paul J. Howard, Supervisor
609-292-3222
Settlement Section
Bureau of Titles
PJH:mef
Enclosure I spoke (illegible)
94a
EXHIBIT #13
(Seal)
State of New Jersey
Department of Transportation
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
In Reply Please Refer To
Route: 72
Section: 7
Parcel: L2R31D
Kahl, et al
Al Am Sagner
Commissioner
March 13, 1975
Mr. Michael Ackaway
368 Hilltop Road
Toms River, New Jersey
Dear Mr. Ackaway:
Reference is made to the easement over the subject
parcel held by Westley Kenneth Bell. It is my
understanding that Mr. Bell has refused to execute a
deed releasing his leasehold interest into said parcel to
the State of New Jersey.
If Mr. Bell’s position is unchanged, this office has no
other recourse but to rescind the agreement entered into
between yourself, your wife, Rita, Mr. and Mrs. Kahl,
and the State of New Jersey. Would you be kind enough
to advise this office as to Mr. Bell’s present attitude in
this matter.
95a
Exhibits.
If Mr. Bell refuses to release his leasehold interest,
would you be kind enough to return to this office the
unsigned Order of Dismissal forwarded to you under my
correspondence of February 3, 1975. Enclosed for your
convenience find self-addressed envelope.
Very truly yours,
PAUL J. HOWARD
Paul J. Howard, Supervisor
Settlement Section
Bureau of Titles
PJH:mef
Enclosure
96a
EXHIBIT #14
Parcel 4L2LR31D
Subject—Loss of Advertising Revenue Because of
State’s Refusal to Consider or Issue Advertising Permits
on Subject Premises Listed Above
September 1968 to September 1969 $1,400.00
$1,400.00 = $ 2,800.00
September 1969 to September 1970 $1,500.00
$1,500.00 = $ 3,000.00
September 1970 to September 1971 $1,800.00
$1,800.00 = $ 3,600.00
September 1971 to September 1972 $2,600.00
$2,600.00 = $ 5,200.00
September 1972 to September 1973 $3,000.00
$3,000.00 = $ 6,000.00
September 1973 to September 1974 $3,000.00
$3,000.00 = §$ 6,000.00
September 1974 to September 1975 $3,500.00
$3,500.00 = $ 7,000.00
Semtember 1975 to September 1976 $3,500.00
$3,500.00 = $ 7,000.00
September 1976 to September 1977 $3,600.00
$3,600.00 = $ 7,200.00
September 1977 to September 1978 $4,200.00
$4,200.00 = $ 8,400.00
September 1978 to September 1979 $4,300.00
$4,300.00 = $ 8,600.00
September 1979 to September 1980 $4,500.00
$4,500.00 = $ 9,000.00
ni © sign tn- September 1980 to September 1981 $4,500.00
potas $5,000.00 = $ 9,500.00
Chrysler sign fin-
isher Oct. 12, September 1981 to September 1982 $5,000.00
1982
TOTAL LOSS OF INCOME
ON THIS PARCEL $88,300.00
Interest to be added at future
date of Judgment $
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10la
EXHIBIT #16
[Book 3187 Page 1] AGREEMENT
THIS INDENTURE, made this 7th day of January,
1972, is made by and between EGON KAHL and EDE
KAHL, his wife, residing at 239 Boyden Avenue,
Maplewood, New Jersey, and HARRY C.
BALDASSARRE and REINELDA BALDASSARRE,
his wife, residing at Chancellor Avenue, Irvington, New
Jersey, and MICHAEL ACKAWAY and RITA
ACKAWAY, his wife, with a mailing address of Route
#37 and Berry Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey,
hereinafter designated as the Grantors, and WESLEY
KENNETH BELL residing at Route #72, Manahawkin,
Stafford Township, hereinafter designated as_ the
Grantee, is made for and in consideration of ONE
DOLLAR ($1.00) and other good and_ valuable
consideration together with the mutual covenants
contained herein and is made under the following terms
and conditions, to wit:
1. The Grantors hereby bargain, sell, grant and
convey unto the said Grantee a permanent easement
across a portion of a parcel of land conveyed to the
Grantors hereinabove named by deed from Gustav
Foster and Margaret Foster, his wife, dated November
November 24, 1971 and intened to be recorded prior to or
simultaneously with the recording of this instrument.
The within created easement is more particularly
described in “Schedule A” which is attached hereto and
made a part hereof and gives the Grantee the right to
use said property for the purpose of the erection and
maintenance of one double faced straight or ‘‘V’’ type
bill board to be erected at the sole expense of the
Grantee. The Grantee is also given the right of
pedestrian and vehicular access across the property
102a
Exhibits.
described in ‘‘Schedule A’’ which is attached hereto for
the purpose of access for maintenance and erection of
said sign or bill board.
2. The within created easement is expressly subject
to the condition that the Grantee must erect a bill board
or sign within fifteen (15) years [Book 3187 Page 2] after
the date of the execution of this agreement or the said
easement, shall terminate, be null and void and of no
effect whatsoever. The condition shall, however, in no
way effect the right of the Grantee to enter upon the
lands subject to this easement for maintenance of the
said sign once it is erected.
3. The Grantee hereby agrees to pay the pro rata
share of the real estate taxes which shall forthwith be
assessed on the vacant land, based upon the frontage
used by the Grantee and the Grantee will further agree
to pay any additional taxes which may be assessed on
the said sign or bill board.
3-B. (See Scheudle B attached).
4. Where ever in this instrument any party or parties
shall be designated or referred to by name or general
reference, such designation is intended to and shall have
the same effect as if the words heirs, executors,
administrators, personal or legal representative and
assigns had been inserted after each and every such
designation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto
set their hands and seals the day and_ year
aforementioned.
COLIN R. HAZELTONE
103a
Exhibits.
EGON KAHL [L.S.]
Egon Kahl
COLIN R. HAZELTONE EDE KAHL [L.S.]
Ede Kahl
HARRY C. BALDASSARRE [L.S. |
Harry C. Baldassarre
Reinelda Baldassarre
REINELDA BALDASSARRE|[L.S.]
MICHAEL ACKAWAY [L.S.]
Michael Ackaway
COLIN R. HAZELTONE RITA ACKAWAY [L.S.]
Rita Ackaway
COLIN R. HAZELTONE WESLEY KENNETH BELL [L.S.]
Wesley Kenneth Bell
{Book 3187 Page 3] SCHEDULE “A
BEGINNING at a point in the southwesterly sideline
of the present right-of-way of New Jersey Route No. 72,
said point being distant south 51 degrees 45 minutes 00
seconds east 946.96 feet from the intersection of the
southwesterly sideline of New Jersey Route No. 72 and
the southeasterly sideline of Jennings Road (said point
also being the northeasterly corner of Lot 31 in Block
147 according to the tax map of Stafford Township and
running thence (1) south 32 degrees 45 minutes .00
seconds west a distance of 100 feet to a point thence (2)
north 51 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds west and parallel
with the said southwesterly sideline of New Jersey Route
No. 72 a distance of 25 feet to a point thence (3) north 32
degrees 45 minutes .00 seconds east and parallel with the
first course hereinabove described a distance of 100 feet
to a point in the said southwesterly sideline of New
Jersey Route No. 72 and thence (4) south 51 degrees 45
104a
Exhibits.
minutes .00 seconds east along the said southwesterly
sideline of New Jersey Route No. 72 a distance of 25 feet
to a point said point being the point and place of
beginning.
[Book 3187 Page 4] “SCHEDULE B”
3-B. Grantee hereby agrees that any billboard to be
erected shall not obstruct from the view of the travelling
public using Route #72, a building or structure erected
by Grantors or as reserved by Grantors by plan to be
submitted to Grantee within fifteen (15) days of
notification to Grantors of the intention of Grantee to
commence the erection of said bill board, provided that
both parties hereto agree that nothing contained herein
shall preclude Grantee from erecting a bill board at a
height of twenty (20) feet from ground level nor shall
Grentee erect a bill board with its base less than twenty
(20) feet from ground level.
[Book 3187 Page 5} ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
COUNTY OF OCEAN
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 4th day of
January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine
hundred and seventy-two, before me, the undersigned
authority, personally appeared Egon Kahl and Ede Kahl,
his wife, who I am satisfied are the Grantors in the
within agreement and acknowledged that they signed,
sealed and delivered the same as their act and deed. All
of which is hereby certified.
SS.
COLIN R. HAZELTONE
Colin R. Hazeltone
An Attorney-At-Law
Of New Jersey
105a
Exhibits.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
COUNTY OF OCEAN
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 7th day of
January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine
hundred and seventy-two, before me, the undersigned
authority, personally appeared Harry C. Baldassarre and
SS.
‘Reinelda Baldassarre, his wife, and Michael Ackaway
and Rita Ackaway, his wife, who I am satisfied are the
Grantors in the within agreement and acknowledged that
they signed, sealed and delivered same as their act and
deed. All of which is hereby certified.
COLIN R. HAZELTONE
Colin R. Hazeltone
An Attorney-At-Law
Of New Jersey
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
COUNTY OF OCEAN
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 7th day of
January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine
hundred and seventy-two, before me, the undersigned
authority, personally appeared Wesley Kenneth Bell who
I am satisfied is the Grantee in the within agreement
and acknowledged that he signed, sealed and delivered
same as his act and deed. All of which is hereby certified.
SS.
COLIN R. HAZELTONE
Colin R. Hazeltone
An Attorney-At-Law
Of New Jersey
106a
Exhibits.
Prepared By: R
Shackleton and Kelly
Counsellors at Law
22nd St. and Long Beach Blvd.
Ship Bottom, New Jersey 08008
005103
Recorded
Ocean County Clerk's
Office
‘72 Feb 7 PM 2 01
Book 3187 Page 1
of Deeds Clerk
Edward (Illegible)
107a
EXHIBIT #17
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
Law Division
Ocean County
Docket No. L-1917-67 P.W.
Civil Action
WESLEY KENNETH BELL and
THELMA J. BELL,
Plaintiffs,
vs.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY by
DAVID J. GOLDBERG,
Commissioner of Transportation,
Defendant.
ORDER
THIS MATTER being opened to the Court on
Tuesday, October 15, 1968, by Hartman and Schlesinger,
Esquires, attorneys for the plaintiff, Alfred A. Faxon,
III, Esquire, appearing, in the presence of Philip S.
Carchman, Esquire, Deputy Attorney General, on behalf
of Arthur J. Sills, Attorney General, attorney for the
defendant, and the Court having before it a Stipulation
of the Facts herein agreed to by the attorneys for the
parties, and having considered the arguments of counsel:
108a
Exhibits.
It is on this 29 day of October 1968, ORDERED that
judgment be entered in favor of the plaintiff against the
defendant determining that the plaintiff is the owner of
lands abutting its properties, which are designated as
Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Block 120 on the Tax Map of
Stafford Township, Ocean County, New Jersey, which
lands lie between the center lines and curb lines at Poe
Street and Philadelphia Avenue as shown on said Map;
and
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the defendant be
and is hereby required to condemn so much of said lands
as are to be taken for highway purposes.
EDWARD V. MARTINO, A.J.S.C.
We hereby consent to the above Order as to form.
HARTMAN & SCHLESINGER
Attorneys for plaintiff
By ALFRED A. FAXON, III
ARTHUR J. SILLS, Attorney General
Attorney for defendant
By PHILIP S. CARCHMAN
Deputy Attorney General
109a
EXHIBIT #18
Map Reference A
Parcel #L11B
State cancelled license to this sign without hearing
Billboards’ replacement valued at $19,000.00
Contracted Income 1983
L.B.I. Medical Center $5,200 per year
MEDICAL CARE 7 DAYS A WEEK VEAR ROUND i
LONG BEACH ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER
AT THE CAUSEWAY « LONG BEACH BLVD. SHIP BOTTOM
“YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DOCTORS’
110a
EXHIBIT #19
Parcel #L11B - Map Reference A
Photos show State’s Destruction of Billboards on
September 30, 1983 without notice.
— ="
llla
EXHIBIT #20
Map Reference B
Parcels #L16B, L17C, LRi8B, LR19B, L22B, L23C,
L23B, L24B, L39 and 40
Licensed by New Jersey and are a part of this suit
Billboards replacement valued at $24,000.00
Beautiful Homes on the water
at Village Harbour
1% MILES STRAIGHT AHEAD
|
Village Harbour $4,600.00 per year
1983 Rates
Nobody Wants a Nuclear War $2,400.00 per year value
Facings being changed on left side
of westbound sign $2,400.00 per year value
1983 Rates
salen
112a
EXHIBIT #21
Parcel #L22B Map Reference B
Without notice or right of entry State employees
destroyed Billboards, in pouring rain, on September 30,
1983, accompanied by armed, uniformed State Police.
113a
EXHIBIT #22
Parcel #L4B Map Reference C
Billboards on this site, which were three and a half
stories above ground, were totally destroyed on
September 30, 1983, without notice to Plaintiff, and cut
up into small pieces on October 2, 1983, and hauled
away.
See LUXURY
: BAYFRONT LIVING
= BEACH HAVEN *
Shelter Cove Condominiams
ll4a
EXHIBIT #23
Parcel #L17G
Billboard’s replacement valued at $24,000.00
*Uahnsen ¢r OUTDOOASMAN: |
¢v ON TME RALWO MAVEN BEACH
eC ye ONE STOP. MARINE store [ + -
The Outdoorsman
$4,600.00 per year
1983 Rates
Minstgersey HANOI RELEASE OUR
Regie we BPOW/MIAS
urrveentdtutmieatt tite
First Jersey Bank $3,000.00 per year
POW/MIA $2,400.00 year value
1983 Rates
* Above billboards destroyed by State on September 30,
1983, without notice
—————————
115a
EXHIBIT #24
Parcel #L17E and L17D Map Reference E
Billboards destroyed by State employees on September
30, 1983, without notice
> Gey
matt
1l6a
EXHIBIT #25
Parcel 4LI7E and L17D Map Reference E
Billboards replacement valued at $24,000.00
Anderson Agency $5,200.00 per year
1983 Rates
EIST EM
ace, OED ow - .-- you Won'T GET A
eat’ 3 ; aq ee: eum STEFR AT... _*
‘oe % @ + 4. e°
e.
@e< a
Maybe you can be cae of ox The Marines
Okie’s Meat Market $2,400.00 per year
U.S. Marines $2,400.00 year value
1983 Rates
1l17a
EXHIBIT #26
Parcel #L22C Map Reference F
Billboards replacement valued at $26,000.00
— BEALL'S 7 ownvowe meyate HAVEN |
— Ebina) ys etfs f ;
4 Save Time ’c* MONEY OPEN ALL Year
Under contract with
Bealls Market $4,600.00 per year
1983 Rate
ae. -"
7g Tarr | re . ‘
se | et ie ee
pe dhe m4
‘ 7. -
aay a ®
te he ae
R 2 4 +. 7%
; JOC
sateen a ee
- >
TwwhrOuses OUPLEEES
aan ne = peer
Poppy Feather Park $4,000.00 per year
1983 Rate
118a
EXHIBIT #27
Parcel L22C Map Reference F
Billboards cut down and destroyed by State employees
without notice on September 30, 1983
nln U JAS MYYR ( Be
x
4
lEY OPEN ‘ALL’ YEAR
119a
EXHIBIT #28
Parcel #L22B Map Reference G
Billboards replacement valued at $24,000.00
| |
_—
PRESTIGIOUS LAKEFROAT (Colony: :
_— | So
HOMES AT THE SHORE
Colony Lakes $4,600.00 per year
1983 Rates
HANOI RELEAS s. -y BU22 OVERS
L S, LUCILLES
ae CANDIES
JUST AHEAD
Lucilles Candies $2,400.00 per year
POW/MIA $2,400.00 per year value
Rented to Greens Army & Navy Store 1983 Rates
Billboards cut down and destroyed by State employees
on September 30, 1983 without notice
120a
EXHIBIT #29
Parcel #L2R-31D Map Reference H
Billboards replacement valued at $35,000.00
4 ~
s
- * & —se
ie
Manahawkin Chrysler-Plymouth $5,000.00 per year
om ae at
RE, THEN L
au
Colony Lakes $4,600.00 per year
State claimed ownership to this parcel and threatened to
destroy billboards even though they had no legal right of
entry or ownership
— |
12la
EXHIBIT #30
Map Reference J
Parcels 4L3E1 and 2 and TLE-1G and 1H
Billboard’s replacement value $26,000.00
|
|< peepee,
Ah ae”
ENGLESIDG AVE. iM BEACH MAVEN .
SEAFOOD - STEAKS: CocKTAnS | '«
TNR Sse \ rs =
RATT Etat Pld Le IS
ae? RAS ie IN Seseq a © "AAR OT Aly 2.3 NA pet
b« oy. aye a Vic. F
2g SN AYN TT eS
* $4 : es *4 ee ty . = . i
~ eer. |
ae ?
co ee
a e
D es tae
° *¢ o4 ra) P 2
- a e a aa
Port O’ Cail $10,200.00 per year rental
* This billboard has been in this location since 1958 and
is presently licensed by New Jersey and is part of this
litigation
122a
EXHIBIT #31
Map Reference J
Parcel #L3E1 and 2 and TLE-1G and 1H
Billboard replacement value $26,000.00
A ign of beer banking
rd on the
a Oe fe te ~maen ees fo
hh = oie Sh la
ate-.
First Jersey Bank $10,200.00 per year rental
* This billboard has been in this location since 1958 and
is presently licensed by New Jersey and is part of this
litigation referred to in Count 48, Section C
123a
EXHIBIT #32
Parcels #4L3E1 and 2 and TLE-1G and 1H
Billboard replacement value $26,000.00
“=e THE LANDS riMast...
SHIP BOTTOM HAND | ;
meee nate
+ : : »~ ee ox A ae ‘t;
Pe. - say Day a ~ ap Py oe Pee: EGnAY eG
RO as hAMZA reek 2 Mey 5H
Ship Bottom and Hand Store $10,200.00 per year rental
* This billboard has been in this location since 1958 and
is presently licensed by New Jersey and is part of this
litigation
124a
EXHIBIT #33
Map Reference J
Parcel #L3E1 and 2 and TLE-1G and 1H
Billboard replacement value $28,000.00
LURURY BATFROMT Aig ] Sa eTeMTT one Bae
COMDOm Iftum§ ACH Havin
Shelter Cove Condominiums $10,200.00 per year rental
* This billboard has been in this location since 1958 and
is presently licensed by New Jersey and is part of this
litigation
125a
EXHIBIT #34
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
LAW DIVISION, OCEAN COUNTY
DOCKEN NO. L 13980-68 P.W.
CIVIL ACTION
WES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING COMPANY,
a corporation of the State of New Jersey,
and WESLEY K. BELL,
Plaintiffs,
Vs.
DAVID J. GOLDBERG, Commissioner of
Transportation of the State of New Jersey,
Defendant.
AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF NEW JERSEY )
) ss.
COUNTY OF MERCER )
CLARENCE R. PELL, being of full age and being
duly sworn upon his oath deposes and says:
1. I am a Landscape Architect for the Department of
Transportation of the State of New Jersey. I have been
employed in that capacity by the Department of
Transportation since May 1946. I hold a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Landscape Architecture from the
Michigan State College, now Michigan State University,
which I obtained in 1938. I have participated in
numerous landscaping projects for the New Jersey
126a
Exhibits.
Department of Transportation § including’ the
Department's section of the Garden State Parkway,
Federal Aid Interstate System, the Palisades Interstate
Highway (Thruway) and all other State Highway roads
in New Jersey since 1946. I am licensed to practice
landscape architecture in the State of New York, which
State requires such licenses.
2. I have read the Affidavit of Wesley K. Bell
submitted in support of the motion to dissolve the
restraints against the plaintiffs in this matter.
3. I know of no instance in which the Department of
Transportation has permitted gasoline stations to be
erected on parcels on Route 72 which the Department
intended to acquire for landscaping purposes under any
circumstances other than those stated below.
| am the head of the landscaping section of the
Department of Transportation and in charge of
developing plans for the acquisition and development of
property to be acquired for landscaping.
4. Mr. Bell has made general allegations in his
affidavit which for that reason I am not in a position to
answer. He has mentioned three specific parcels, namely:
L 13E, L 15H and L 17F. Parcel L 13E was omitted in
the early stages of our landscaping because before the
plans for that parcel were finished and a final decision
made with regard to acquisition, the gasoline station was
erected. It was decided by the department that it would
be consistent with the public interest to leave the only
functioning gasoline station in place, and for this reason
it was decided not to acquire that parcel. With regard to
the construction on Parcels L 15H and L 17F, the only
reason that the department did not move against these
127a
Exhibits.
two parcels was a failure of communciation within the
Department of Transportation. By the time I became
aware of the construction on these parcels the
construction was completed and there is nothing to gain
by obtaining an injunction. Despite the construction on
these two parcels the Department of Transportation has
every intention of proceeding with condemnation for the
acquisition and will use them for landscaping purposes.
5. In paragraph six of his affidavit, Mr. Bell again,
without specifying where, makes the general statement
that a competing advertising firm, when he does not
name, has been erecting signs and clearing vegetation
and trees. The only clearing for advertising signs of
which I am aware was done by one Tooker, another
advertising company, at a date when our plans were
incomplete. This was long before the obtaining of the
injunction against Mr. Bell. The Department of
Transportation intends to acquire a number of parcels on
which Tooker has advertising signs, but I am unaware of
any instance at all, subsequent to the date of the
injunction against the plaintiffs in this matter, in which
any outdoor advertising company has cleared land or
interfered with the vegetation in the immediate area. If
Mr. Bell will point out specifically which areas to be
acquired by the Department of Transportation are being
cleared by other advertising companies I will make every
effort to take action to see that this is stopped.
CLARENCE R. PELL
Clarence R. Pell
Sworn to and Subscr ved
before me this 28th day
of May, 1969.
ROYAL B. GIFFE™
An Attorney At Law of New Jersey
128a
EXHIBIT #35
Memorandum for Stafford Township
Re: Conference with Deputy Commissioner of
Transportation, Mullen
At: Trenton, New Jersey
Date of Meeting: February 17, 1969, at 3 P.M.
In Attendance:
For the State - Mullen, Cunningham and Blaus
For Stafford - Committeemen Boltner, Holm and
Mayor Cervetto; Engineer, Ernst; Attorney,
Schuman
Also previously in attendance: Assemblymen, Mabie
and Brown
State Beautification Program pursuant to the provisions
of Title 27
During the discussion among those above named
persons, it was disclosed that the State intended to
obtain a right-of-way on the southerly side of Bonnett
Island to a depth of 100 feet south of the bridge. They
indicated, however, that there would be no action in the
foreseeable future unless someone were to start to build
on the Island. The governing body mentioned the
extensive grants of lands to the Federal Government for
‘onservation purposes and noted its objection to the
acquisition of such a substantial portion of Bonnet
Island, thereby reducing the available ratables to the
municipality.
There was an extensive discussion concerning the
proposed 100 feet right-of-way to be acquired on either
side of the new State Highway #72, and it was agreed by
Mr. Mullen that selective thinning of trees and
undergrowth would be permitted by the property owners,
and they were to have reasonable access to their
respective properties.
129a
Exhibits.
It was also noted that the purpose and intent of the
State was not to discourage use of the property for
commercial purposes, but to attempt to prevent the
highly commercial appearance of having unbroken black
top with fluorescent fixtures, etc., immediately on the
edge of the right-of-way of the highway.
The problem of a bridge to accommodate the residents of
Beach Haven West was also discussed at length, and the
Committee was advised by Mr. Mullen that he was going
to recommend the construction of the facility to the
Commissioner of Transportation. Mr. Mullen left the
meeting for a short time, and upon his return note“ that
the bridge matter had been discussed with the
Commissioner and he felt that approval for its
construction would be forth-coming shortly.
During the course of the meeting, both Mullen and
Cunningham appeared to have agreed that the proposed
right-of-way for beautification purposes would be limited
to 60 feet rather than 100 feet. However, there was a
considerable discussion that while they would proceed
with a condemnation proceeding in its present form
describing a proposed right-of-way to a depth of 100 feet,
Mr. Mullen stated that as soon as the problems with
Wesley Bell had been resolved, the condemnation
proceeding would be amended to take only 60 feet rather
than 100 feet as shown on the pians.
However, those statements were subsequently qualified
by Cunningham and Mullen and that they said that the
uses to which the property was to be put, the
topography, the topography, etc., would be reviewed by
the Commissioner’and that the Department was not
130a
Exhibits.
committed to a 100 feet right-of-way, and in some
instances, might agree to even less than 60 feet if that
was desirable, depending upon the size of the property,
etc.
It was agreed that a letter would be written by the
Highway Department to the Township Committee that it
was unfeasible to have a traffic light at the entrance to
Beach Haven West as proposed by the residents.
l3la
EXHIBIT #36
Public Enemy No. 1
.———
NEAOTe:
ay a. BIG’
&
United Press international Telephoto
STICKY PICKET — New Jersey businessman Wesley
K. Bell of Manahawkin holds his placard while picket-
ing the White House in protest of a State Highway
Department decision to take over some of his advertising
billboards because they ‘violate the landscape and
scenic enhancement provisions of the highway beauti-
fication act.’ Bell said he hod appealed to both Rep.
William T. Cahill (R-N.J.) and President Nixon. Having
no luck with either, Bell decided to picket the White
House
132a
EXHIBIT #37
In reply please refer to
Route 72, Section 6
Wesley K. Bell & Wes Outdoor
Advertising Company, Inc.
(Logo)
State of New Jersey
Department of Transportation
John C. Kohl, Commissioner
Trenton 08625
November 4, 1970
Mr. Wesley Kenneth Bell .
113 Longbeach Boulevard
North Beach, New Jersey
Dear Mr. Bell:
A copy of Mr. Alfano’s letter to you dated October 21,
1970, has been referred to this office to reply to your
comments concerning relocation payments.
Our records indicate that you have been contacted
personally on many occasions by Mr. Delaney and
representatives of the Freehold office concerning the
billboards owned by you on the above premises. | am
sure Mr. Delaney has indicated that there is pending
legislation concerning relocation payment for billboards,
but to this date, we have no authority to proceed with
same.
As soon as the appropriate authorization to make
payment has been given, Mr. Delaney and/or his
representatives will contact you.
Very truly yours,
LESTER G. FINCH
Lester G. Finch
Supervisor - Area II
LGF:j1 Bureau of Property and Relocation
133a
Opinion—April 13, 1987—New Jersey
Superior Court, Appellate Division.
NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE
ON OPINIONS
Original Filed
Apr 13 1987
John J. Musewicz, Esq.
Acting Clerk
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
APPELLATE DIVISiON
A-3688-85T8
WESLEY K. BELL, t/a Wes Outdoor
Advertising Co.,
Plaintiff-Respondent,
and Cross-Appellant,
v.
TOWNSHIP OF STAFFORD, a Municipality in
the County of Ocean, State of New Jersey,
Defendant-Appellant,
and Cross-Respondent,
and
ROBERT H. MEARS, Construction Official
of the Township of Stafford, and the
County of Ocean,
Defendants.
Argued: March 23, 1987 - Decided Apr 13 1987
Before Judges Bilder, Gaynor and Scalera.
134a
Opinion—April 13, 1987.
On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey,
Law Division, Ocean County.
Thomas E. Monahan, argued the cause for appellant
and cross-respondent (Gilmore and Monahan,
attorneys, J. Mark Mutter, on the brief).
Wesley K. Bell, pro se, argued the cause as
respondent and cross-appellant.
PER CURIAM
This appeal stems from a dispute between Wesley K.
Bell, t/‘a Wes Outdoor Advertising Co., (Bell) and the
Township of Stafford, (Stafford) relating to an ordinance
which prohibits the building and maintenance of
billboards for off-site advertising throughout the
municipality. Three separate billboards owned by Bell
and located along Route 72 in the municipality have been
affected by that ordinance and certain condemnation
actions taken by the New Jersey Department of
Transportation (DOT). After a bench trial, the judge
ruled that the ordinance in question was constitutionally
valid and that it legitimately prohibited Bell from
rebuilding two of the billboards. However, he concluded
that Bell could legally rebuild and maintain the third one
as a nonconforming use. Stafford has appealed from so
much of that order which permits Bell to rebuild and
maintain the third billboard. Bell cross appeals
contending that the ordinance is unconstitutional and
that, for various reasons, the trial judge erred in
upholding Stafford’s action in prohibiting him from
maintaining the other two billboards. In view of our
determination that the ordinance is unconstitutional, we
find it unnecessary to reach any of the other arguments
advanced by the parties.
135a
Opinion—April 13, 1987.
Only a brief recitation of the underlying events are
necessary to understand our disposition of this matter.
During the latter half of the 1960’s Wesley K. Bell
obtained title to two plots of land located along Route 72
in Stafford identified as Block 145A, Lot 26A (Lot 26A)
and Block 120, Lot 8 (Lot 8). Thereafter, Bell constructed
a number of billboards on these properties. During the
early 1970’s the DOT sought to condemn a portion of
Lot 26A in order to widen Route 72, a State highway
which passes through Stafford. Bell unsuccessfully
challenged that condemnation action in the state and
federal courts.
On September 30, 1983 agents of the DOT entered
upon Lot 26A and cut down the billboard located
thereon. At the same time, the DOT mistakenly tore
down the billboard located on Lot 8 even though this
land had not been condemned by the State. Bell then
disassembled the billboards and removed them to his
warehouse for repairs. In May 1984 Bell reconstructed
the billboard on the portion of Lot 26A which the State
had not taken in the condemnation proceedings, despite
an order by Stafford not to do so.
On Me, 32, 1984 Bell entered into a contract with
Lewis and Jeanne Raupp to purchase a plot of land
identified as Block 158A, Lots 114 and 119 (Block 158A)
which contained a billboard thereon. On May 18, 1984
Bell purchased another billboard which he intended to
relocate to the property he had just purchased from the
Raupps. Thereafter, he filed an application with Stafford
seeking approval of the relocation.
On May 30, 1984, Stafford filed an action in the
Chancery Division, claiming that Bell needed a building
permit in order to maintain the billboard on Lot 26A.
136a
Opinion—April 13, 1987.
The judge who heard the matter held that a new building
permit was required notwithstanding the fact that Bell :
had obtained a building permit at the time that the
original billboard had been constructed on Lot 26A.
During the first week of June 1984, Bell also began to
reconstruct the billboard which had been improperly torn
down by the DOT on Lot 8. Stafford’s construction code
official, Robert Mears (Mears), ordered Bell to stop work
on this billboard until he obtained a building permit.
Stafford then filed a second suit and the same judge
again determined that a building permit was required in
order to reconstruct the billboard on Lot 8.
As a result of that litigation, Bell filed applications for
building permits on Lots 26A and 8. In the meantime,
Stafford had amended its Ordinance 77-22, which had
regulated the use of billboards in the Township, by
passing Ordinance No. 84-35,' which sought to prohibit
ail billboards for off-premises advertising within any
zoning district of the Township. On July 2, 1984 Bell
received written notices denying his application for
building permits on Lots 26A and 8 and his application
to relocate the billboard from Block 181, Lot 4 to Block
158A, Lots 114 and 119. Among other reasons, the
applications purportedly were denied because billboards
were prohibited under Ordinance 84-35 within any zoning
district of the municipality.
Thereafter, Bell filed the instant complaint in lieu of
prerogative writs against Stafford seeking a declaratory
judgment that Ordinance 84-35 was inapplicable to him;
‘Ordinance No. 84-35 was subsequently amended by Ordinance No.
85-68 for the purpose of curing certain publication defects in 84-35
and also to incorporate 84-35 into the overall municipal zoning
ordinance. For purposes of simplicity and clarity we will refer to the
ordinance in question as 84-35.
137a
Opinion—April 13, 1987.
that he had the right to repair and re-erect the billboards
on Lots 26A and 8, to relocate the billboard from Block
181 to Block 158A as a nonconforming use under the
original ordinance; that Stafford be ordered to issue the
necessary building permits; that Ordinance 84-35 was
unconstitutional on its face and that Ordinance 84-35
was null and void for failure to properly publish its
adoption pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:49-2.
The matter was tried before a second judge who held
that Ordinance 84-35 was constitutionally valid and
legally adopted and that Bell could not legally re-erect a
billboard on Lot 26A, or relocate the billboard from
Block 181 to Block 158. However, he also held that the
“negligence or wrongdoing’”’ of the DOT in cutting down
the billboard on Lot 8 was “‘imputed”’ to Stafford and
that Bell was therefore entitled to re-erect a billboard on
that lot as a nonconforming use.
As previously noted, we deem it necessary to address
only the issue of the constitutionality of the ordinance in
question because we are satisfied that it is facially
invalid rendering moot the remaining issues raised by
the parties.
Section 2 of Stafford Ordinance No. 84-35 provides:
Billboards - Billboards, signboards and off-premises
advertising signs and devices are prohibited within
any zoning district of the Township.
The trial judge ruled this ordinance to be constitutional.
In so doing he stated:
I’m satisfied on the Constitutional argument that
the present ordinance does meet the requirements of
the Constitutional provisions in that it is a general
138a
Opinion—April 13, 1987.
ban on a particular form, really a business, rather
than of a speech. The use of off-site advertising is
an area which can certainly be regulated by a
Township and its an area which they have chosen to
regulate by disallowance. That, I believe, meets the
Constitutional test; therefore, the fact that the
billboards were from time to time used for political
purposes, does not somehow convert them into, or
raise them to a constitutional level. Its sort of like
saying that that gas station we were talking about,
that’s a non-conforming use, was plastered up with
Vote Republican signs, and therefore had some right
to continue, be restored because it was utilized for
political advertising as opposed to commercial.
Bell contends that the trial court erred in so ruling
since the ordinance constitutes a total prohibition
against billboar
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