FROM THE ECHOES-SENTINEL (Recorder Community Newspapers)
10/10/2006
By MINHAJ HASSAN Staff Writer
Nominations due Nov. 1, entry forms available at Long Hill Township municipal building
LONG HILL TWP. – Local business and property owners feasted on pastries and coffee during the second business breakfast, Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the conference room at the Long Hill Library on Valley Road, Gillette, with Mayor Gina Genovese telling them her plans and fielding questions.
About 28 business people were in attendance at the conference that was organized by the mayor. The first one was held Wednesday, April 12.
Genovese said she envisions creating an Economic Development Corporation that would study ways to improve the business climate in town by offering various incentives.
To acknowledge their efforts, Genovese said she intends to give out two “Business of the Year” awards to deserving businesses.
“We have many fine businesses in Long hill Township and it is important that we recognize their efforts and encourage continued community involvement,” Genovese said. “We hope that the award will create a greater interest and incentive for business owners and operators to enhance their properties and become more involved in community activities.”
Participants have until 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, to submit their entry forms. Entry forms are available at town hall in the office of Township Administrator Kevin Sluka.
There are also plans to replace the 12 wooden “Welcome to Long Hill Township” signs, many of which are falling apart.
In January, Genovese said she hopes to get the businesses, the public and the various township boards and agencies involved in meetings to find out their preferences on various issues.
The mayor added that she is relying on businesses and the community to provide a vision for the Valley Road business corridor.
Bill Kaufman, president of Wesketch Architecture in Millington, recommended creating a system where businesses contribute $1,000 each and then have a say on how and where to spend the money.
The money would go toward various improvements, such as streets and sidewalks, along with signage.
Genovese said it was a great idea, especially because the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) could provide a $1,000 matching grant.
Committeeman Chris Collins, who was also present at the gathering, said New Providence has a similar setup.
At least six businesses informally agreed to contribute $2,500 each toward signs.
Lynn Bott of Bott Plumbing and Heating, Stirling, asked what was the status of the Army Corps of Engineers floodwall project, proposed for Stirling. She said the floodwall could greatly help businesses by providing protection.
Township Administrator Kevin Sluka said the town is waiting for the go-ahead from the state Department of Environmental Protection for the town to begin buying easements along the Passaic River, where the floodwall would be built. He said most of those lots are not situated for development to begin with, given their proximity to the river.
One business owner said functions like these help business.
“It makes the business feel part of the community,” said Bob Forst of Forst Construction, which owns parcels and buildings in town, including the former school on Elm Street, Stirling. “Before this, I felt like an outsider.”
Frank Culotta, who owns the strip mall housing a barber shop and a television manufacturing business on Poplar Drive, Stirling, said he hopes with a revitalized interest in the business community, the town streamlines some of the bureaucracy.
“I bought the property 20 years ago and got zero help,” he said. “The parking lot took two years to put in. It’s unbelievably long. Because of that, I delayed improvements.”
Dan Murphy of Murphy’s Landscaping, Millington, said “some headway” has been made. He hopes the town will soon allow businesses to post their own signs throughout town.
Allowing more “way-finding” signs is what Bill Ulrich, who owns J.W. Ginty’s on the Meyersville Circle, Meyersville, hopes the town will do.
“Signage is very important, especially where we’re located where the roads aren’t aligned,” he said. “When people come in aggravated, you’re on the wrong foot.”