The township has announced it will be honored with the 2013 PlanSmart NJ Economic Development Award on Nov. 14.
ROBBINSVILLE — The township has announced it will be honored with the 2013 PlanSmart NJ Economic Development Award on Nov. 14.
According to a township press release, Robbinsville is the award’s first municipal recipient since its inception in 2007.
The press release states the award is due to growth in the township, specifically regarding the deal that lured a 1.2 million square-foot Amazon facility.
The warehouse is expected currently under construction and is expected to open in the spring of 2014.
”This is an incredible honor and we are truly humbled,” Mayor David Fried said. “While the deal with Amazon is an enormous win for our town, we are equally proud of the overall economic development plan that has resulted in the growth we have seen in the township over the past four years.
”We have generated ratables from fortune 500s and other very successful companies that will help us hold the line on taxes and ensure our ability to slash debt in the years to come,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation for township staff including Business administrator Joy Tozzi and Economic and Community Development Director Tim McGough.
”We want to thank PlanSmart NJ for all they do for our state and for this much appreciated award,” Mayor Fried said.
The award, which will be presented to Robbinsville at the 45th Annual PlanSmart NJ Awards Dinner at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, recognizes those that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting economic development in a way that is respectful of the principles of smart growth, the release stated.
Smart growth, according to the release, is defined as improving the regional economic base, connecting jobs to housing and transportation, promoting growth in areas where infrastructure is planned or already exists and promotes opportunities for all residents.
PlanSmart NJ is an independent, non-profit planning and research organization committed to improving the quality of community life through the advancement of sound land use planning and regional cooperation.