South Brunswick Seeks To Make Changes To Economic Development Committee

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Council on Tuesday introduced an ordinance authorizing changes to the composition of the Township’s Economic Development Committee.

During the council meeting on March 14, Councilman Joe Camarota said that the original ordinance when drafted required the committee to have four regular members from each political party. This has not happened in the past 10 years.

Another clause required that all members of the committee be residents of the Township. This ensured that “many businesses, like Hermann Trucking, who are very involved” were precluded from participating in the committee, Camarota said.

The amended ordinance seeks to remove these two clauses.

Camarota also pointed out that the Township has been having issues filling the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the committee. Over the years the roles were switched off and on between Allison Clancy and Dan Frankel.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Council adopted a resolution accepting the resignation of Clancy as a member of the Economic Development Committee.

Acknowledged her work and commitment, Camarota said Clancy was a ‘steadfast member of the committee for over two decades.”

“It was her commitment and dedication to it that really turned it around, made it relevant. Unfortunately due to debilitating illness from COVID she can no longer partake and participate,” Camarota said.

By “softening up the regulation” the township could “get more help” with the committee, he said.

Councilmembers agreed with the suggested changes, with Councilwoman Jo Hochman noting that “the more people who can get involved, the better.”

The ordinance will now come up for a second reading before being adopted.

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