By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
COLTS NECK – The Township Committee has appointed members to the recently revived Economic Development Committee (EDC).
On Feb. 8, committee members adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding the membership of the EDC. At the same time, officials passed a resolution naming the EDC members and the Township Committee’s liaison to the panel.
Mayor Russell Macnow will be the governing body’s liaison to the EDC. The members of the EDC are Colts Neck Business Association President Sue Fitzpatrick, Audra Carletta, A.J. Garito, Lisa Aldridge and Don Norkus.
Initial amendments to the EDC ordinance proposed placing six members on the panel, including the president of the Colts Neck Business Association (CNBA), a liaison from the Township Committee and four residents appointed by the Township Committee. According to the proposal, no more than two members of the EDC would be permitted to be members of the business association.
When those amendments came up for a vote on Jan. 25, a discussion among Township Committee members ensued and resulted in revised amendments to the EDC ordinance.
The revised amendments – adopted in a unanimous vote of the Township Committee on Feb. 8 – state that there will be five voting members of the EDC comprised of residents; that the CNBA president may designate an individual to serve in his place; that no more than two seated members of the EDC will be members of the CNBA; and that the Township Committee liaison will be a non-voting member of the EDC.
Officials previously said the EDC will work to attract businesses to an open area in the township’s business district on Route 34.
The EDC was established as an advisory body to the Township Committee “for the purpose of fostering new economic growth and the retention of existing businesses and industries within the township.”
Officials said the EDC will seek to facilitate the creation of a desirable business climate to promote economic growth, job creation and the stabilization of commercial tax ratables throughout the township.