The Alternative Press

 

SPARTA, NJ – To help better connect Sussex County business owners to local municipalities, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, and the Sussex County League of Municipalities co-hosted their first Government and Business Symposium on Wednesday, held at Sussex County Technical School, with a reception at the event sponsored by CP Engineers, LLC.

“We felt it was very important for business and government to come together,” said Tammie Horsfield, President of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce.

Horsfield said it is the two groups’ hopes to make it an annual event.

She thanked George Graham, Secretary/Treasurer of the Sussex County League of Municipalities. Graham helped Horsfield with moderating the program.

Horsfield complimented the government leaders who participated, who were mostly mayors, but included a few council members.

“I have come to respect you for the work that you do,” said Horsfield.

Government officials who participated included: Byram Township Manager Joe Sabatini, Byram Councilman Scott Olson, Fredon Township Mayor Carl Lazzaro, Hampton Township Committee Member Daniel Coronato, Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo, Lafayette Township Committee Members Richard Hughes and Alan Henderson, Montague Township Committee Member Paul Brislin, Town of Newton Mayor Helen Le Frois, Sparta Township Councilman Gil Gibbs, Sparta Township Councilwoman Molly Whilesmith, Sparta Township Manager David Troast, Borough of Sussex Mayor Jonathan Rose, Vernon Township Mayor Victor Marotta, and Vernon Township Councilman Brian Lynch.

Horsfield, who emceed the event, first asked each municipality representative to summarize how life is in his or her town.

Olson said those passing through Byram may note road construction has been plentiful on the Route 206 corridor, however, Byram, he said, is one of the places approved for growth by the Highlands Council. “We’re the first Highlands Designated Center,” said Olson.

Lazarro described Fredon as a “real quiet community”, and said the township works with the neighboring communities of Stillwater and Green for shared services. He said the township prefers small business growth, rather than working with big businesses.

Coronato also described his town has small with a business section. He focused on an issue impacting all municipalities with the franchise tax municipalities had been receiving from utility companies, asking members of the audience to contact NJ District 24(Senator Steven Oroho, Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, and Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose) for support.

Petillo offered to take members of the audience who might like to learn more about Hopatcong, on a tour of her municipality. She noted Hopatcong boasts one of New Jersey’s largest lakes, and, is hosting a fireworks display tomorrow, hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, where more than 1,000 boats typically make a showing.

Hughes said Lafayette Center has now received an historical designation from the cemetery, to Morris Farm Road, and Meadows Road. “As you drive through Lafayette, it will be the historical district,” he said.

Hughes also said Lafayette is revising its ordinances to become more business friendly. The municipality also received the Governor’s Award for its affordable housing, which is comprised of 10 units in a former red barn building. Ten additional units will be added in a new building, ready to be constructed.

Brislin said one of the challenges in Montague is the competition with Pike County, PA in the Route 6 and 209 corridor. One of the other challenges facing the municipality is how to make efficient use of the 30 percent of the land, which can be developed. Maintaining a stable tax rate was difficult as well, and cuts were taken from the fire department, something Brislin said was not well received in Montague.

Le Frois said the Town of Newton prides itself on treating those who visit the town like customers, and is very customer friendly and focused. The Town of Newton has had five redevelopment projects, some completed, and the opening of significant businesses in town including Thorlabs, and the Newton Theatre. Le Frois said a $2.7 million debt savings is another accomplishment.

In Sparta, Troast said the township is planning for the future, to manage growth and be fiscally responsible. The township is also working on green initiatives, including solar power for municipal sites.

Rose said in Sussex, the town has a viable Main Street with a new theater, “bringing new faces” to town. The downtown has a 25 percent vacancy in its storefronts, which, Rose reiterated Sussex Borough is open for business. Another significant project is the Route 23 realignment planned, creating an island on the highway.

Marotta said Vernon Township took dramatic steps to change its form of government. With the changes, certain projects, including the construction of the Red Tail Lodge, which normally would have taken over two years to construct, only took nine months, and came in under budget. The township also did a complete reassessment of its fees, and reduced them by about 35 percent. Other accomplishments include a new sewer project with United Water, a reduction in unemployment (from 11.8 to 7.9 percent).

“It’s a good place to live, and a better place to do business,” Marotta said.

Graham talked about some of Stanhope’s assets including the Stanhope House, and Bell’s Mansion. He also recognized other members of the Sussex County League of Municipalities, including President Marie Galate (not present at the event), and Lazzaro, its Vice-President.

Horsfield asked each of the municipalities questions, which had been submitted previously by chamber members. Some municipalities were asked more questions than others. Questions for each municipality is as follows:

 

Byram

Horsfield asked for an update on Waterloo Village

Olson said private groups have been working to replace the roofs at Waterloo Village. The township is also creating a trailhead at SALT, which will eventually connect to Waterloo Village.

Horsfield also asked about permitting for Hudson Farms.

Sabatini replied that the property owner is allowed to use his property, as long as not for paid hunts.

 

Fredon

“When will the town fix the potholes on Lower Hill Road?” Horsfield asked Lazarro.

Lazzaro explained the town has been working on road patching, and, this year it is scheduled for completion.

Horsfield asked Lazzaro for a current status on Bear Brook Golf Club.

He said if the property is not purchased, it might go back to farming as a possibility. If it not purchased, it cannot be developed again.

 

Hampton

“Dan, do you expect more car dealerships and can they sustain themselves?” Horsfield asked Coronato.

Coronato originally said he was not in favor of the dealerships, however, “they have created good paying jobs, and they treat their people well.”

One of the newest dealerships to join the municipality is Kia in the former Shades of Green Garden Center.

 

Hopatcong

Horsfield asked what future plans the municipality has to attract tourism and ratables.

“We had to change the way we do business,” said Petillo.

Petillo said Hopatcong has changed some ordinances to reduce red tape, and has a new land use board, and economic development committee.

Petillo also discussed the patriotism she was proud of with Hopatcong, especially with its 9/11 tribute.

 

Lafayette

Horsfield asked for Lafayette’s perspective on the mall in Frankford Township.

Hughes responded Lafayette was in opposition to the mall based on the traffic study, calling for five additional traffic lights in Lafayette.

“They need to come up with a regionally sensible plan to get people from one place to the other,” Hughes said.

The SCMUA closure was another question posed to Lafayette.

Hughes responded how one cell will be filled by 2015, and the second by 2019. Options are being reviewed by SWAC (Solid Waste Advisory Commission).

The status of the Merck property was another question for Lafayette.

“There is no current buyer or contract in,” Hughes said. “Currently the property is being actively marketed.”

Hughes said it has had an impact of taxes by $365,000, which is mostly being absorbed by residents.

 

Montague

Horsfield asked about the High Point Golf Club.

“It looked like nature at its wildest,” said Brislin of the club.

The club is under new ownership, and, now also boasts the Blue Heron Bar and Grill. Brislin said the facility has added jobs for 20 residents.

The handling of Clove Road and its fatalities and accidents was another question. Brislin said the county has a plan to level the hills on the road.

 

Newton

Horsfield asked about property tax incentives.

Le Frois said properties in the historic district were part of an exemption program, which would help them because of their use of certain materials in construction.

She summarized some projects boosted by tax incentives, including Thorlabs, which, Le Frois said, has brought 400 new jobs to town.

“Officials in Newton are striving every day to bring in new ratables,” she said.

Another question was regarding Newton’s plan to fill vacancies.

Le Frois said the town has made updates to its vision plan, and changed the transect zoning to help downtown businesses.

How Newton deals with excess regulations was also posed.

Le Frois said the town has revamped its land use ordinances, and streamlined the approval processes. Additionally, there are more applications and forms online to facilitate processes.

Newton received the most questions of all the municipalities, and the last question was in terms of its parking lots, and why there cannot be shuttles for them.

Le Frois said the town has 500 parking spaces, and new way finding signs to facilitate experiences in the downtown area.

 

Sparta

Horsfield asked about Green Initiatives, and Whilesmith replied. She said the township has had many environmentally friendly initiatives including Bag It Day, Sparta Mountain Day, and the Sparta Farmers Market, which she described as “very successful and expanding”. Whilesmith also touched on how Lake Mohawk uses state-of-the-art technology to “make sure the water remains pristine”.

Horsfield asked Sparta also about attracting new ratables.

One of the plans calls for a microbrewery, because of the plentiful utilities and water in the township.

Another question for Sparta was about the solutions for posting temporary signs.

“Many homeowners don’t want to see these signs,” Gibbs said.

At the same time, he said the township must work with businesses in town as well.

There are special areas in Sparta where temporary signs can be posted, including by the library. And there are standard signs permitted by the town, which will be allowed quarterly for two weeks.

 

Stanhope

Horsfield asked about new business in the borough.

Graham said over the last two years, the Stanhope House is one of the businesses that has reopened. There are also improvements planned for the corridor along Route 183.

 

Sussex

Horsfield asked about the Route 23 improvements.

Rose said it was originally planned in 1963, and the shovels are planned to be in the ground in 2013.

The repair to the sewer was another issue in question. Rose described the municipality as “moving quickly forward.”

As in Sparta, signs were an issue discussed for Sussex, and Sussex is in the process of updating ordinances to help with signage. Local businesses are not allowed banners or sandwich signs.

 

Vernon

“What is the status in making the DPW on Church [Street] available?” Horsfield asked.

Marotta simply replied the DPW is not available.

Horsfield asked about real estate in the township.

Marotta talked about possibilities including Applebee’s. He said businesses must to follow a “country rural” theme, with an “Adirondack” look. One of the most recent applications, for Dollar General, Marotta said is planned to follow the theme. He also hinted about possible plans for an indoor water park.

 

At the end of the program, Horsfield told the municipalities, it is a two-way street in working together with county business owners.

“We ask you to be more active with us [the chamber],” Horsfield said. “We want to know the issues that impact the community.”

“We’ve got a think tank, we’re 700 strong,” Horsfield reminded the local officials.

“Working together we can make a huge difference in the community,” Horsfield concluded.