Township Eyes Economic Incentive Plans

In a bid to draw new businesses, the Township Committee is considering adopting an ordinance to grant fee waivers for new employers moving into existing commercial properties.

At Thursday's Township Committee meeting, Committeeman George Lazo discussed a possible ordinance enabling businesses with five or more employees to have as much as $5,000 in permits fees waived for up to two years when moving into currently empty spaces.

"It's a terrific idea, I believe, but we have to market it," Lazo said, adding the township could notify area real estate agents about the program once it's in place.

No ordinance was presented Thursday, but Township Attorney Jeffrey Lehrer noted the township is working with a similar ordinance in effect in Raritan Township. He said the Raritan ordinance provides for waivers from fees for development projects, whereas Warren is seeking to provide waivers only for remodeling work in existing buildings.

After the meeting, Lazo said work on the ordinance was nearly complete and may be presented to the committee for votes soon.

Another step the committee discussed taking to encourage local business is establishing a business advisory committee, with members appointed by the committee.