UPPER FREEHOLD — If you’re looking to do business in Upper Freehold, the township has a new brochure that may help answer any questions. The brochure was put together by members of the Economic Development Committee (EDC).
According to EDC secretary Debra Sopronyi, 1,000 brochures were printed and are available at the municipal buildings in the literature racks and at the land use window. She said the EDC hoped to distribute them at the corporate level for businesses the committee would like to invite to locate in Upper Freehold Township.
“The brochure was developed to give an overview of the demographics and rural character of our community while highlighting Upper Freehold Township’s location, which gives easy access to major urban centers,” she said. “It also identifies nearby attractions such as the Horse Park of New Jersey and Six Flags Great Adventure.”
Sopronyi said the EDC would like to attract businesses that would support the core agriculture and equine industries now found in the township. One example is the recently approved Tractor Supply Store off Route 524, as well as businesses that promote tourism and hospitality, such as bed and breakfasts, hotels and possibly a conference center. One of the top initiatives for the EDC is the possible establishment of an equestrian community in the future, she said.
“The service industry is also of importance to the EDC, in that they would like to establish a professional office park for providers needed by the residents, such as doctors, dentists and lawyers,” Sopronyi said.
The brochure emphasizes the core industries, and the center of it contains Upper Freehold’s zoning map and highlights the commercial zoning districts.
Tom Frascella, chairman of the EDC, said that small, community-friendly, community oriented businesses are, as a practical matter, the only types of businesses that can develop within the township since it lacks sewer and public water.
“Zoning determines where businesses can be located. The EDC believes that businesses that draw from the needs or interests of the community, such as those associated with agricultural uses as an example, have the greatest chance of success,” he said.
Frascella noted that the probability of business success is a determination made by the business investor, not the township. The brochure attempts to provide a community profile and orientation for those who might have an interest, he said.