One of the reasons Mayor Joann Gattinelli, along with the members of council, were able to decrease the municipal tax was the emphasis placed on economic development. Nancy Mozzachio, the township’s economic development consultant, gave an update during the June 26 council meeting.
Mozzachio touted a three-part process that includes easing the process for new businesses, generating interest with new businesses and working with existing businesses.
“To date, I’m pleased to announce we have forged a seamless process between my office, zoning, construction and planning,” she said.
In June alone, Mozzachio reported she had multiple meetings with property owners interested in senior facility development, gym facilities for children on the autism spectrum and a successful brewery interested in committing to a second brewery in Washington Township.
She also said she regularly checks in with businesses in addition to promoting current businesses and “coming soon” merchants on social media and the township’s website. During some check-ins, she discovered Rizzieri’s planned on opening a new med-spa, “At Home” is taking the place of “The Dump,” and new restaurants will be coming to town next to the Chipotle and in Washington Square. She intends to open a new bakery as well as a doughnut chain from Philadelphia.
Mozzachio spends time attending network events like Southern New Jersey Development council, chamber of commerce events and roundtables.
“Attendance is critical to get the word out that our town is open for business,” she said.
In other news:
- Gattinelli spoke about the previously approved budget and surplus.
“The 2019 budget revenues and appropriations have been reviewed by myself, business administrator as well as our council members. Over the past three years, we’ve been able to improve many of our services, increase public safety and upgrade the infrastructure of Washington Township. Keeping in mind there have been no municipal tax increases over the past several years, which has been afforded by the township’s continuous growth. The municipal surplus continues to meet the criteria of our informal surplus policy to retain between 10 and 15 percent of the operating budget. My administration and I continue to remain available for the residents of Washington Township and will continue to provide the services that our residents deserve.”
- Gattinelli presented payroll clerk Nicole Fach with the June employee of the month award.
“She’s our smiley face every day. I get to see Nicole every day when I walk in the door and she has been a pleasure to work with the last couple of years. Any task we ask of her is completed and completed quickly. I just want to thank her for all she’s done,” Gattinelli said.
- Council voted to cancel four meetings in July and August and replace them with two meetings, one on July 17 and one on Aug. 21.
- Gattinelli said roadwork is expected to begin on the Mt. Pleasant roadway from County House Road to the township border in July.
- Council passed resolutions approving liquor licenses for the following entities: The Whitman Diner, T.G.I. Fridays, Delsea Corner Beverage, PJ Whelihan’s, Greenwood Park Bells Lake Community Club, Applebee’s, Brunswick Zone, Italian Bistro, Washington Square Liquor LLC, Tomar Associates, ShopRite Liquors of Washington Township, Columbus Home Association, Ott’s On the Green, Salina Wine & Liquor, Russco Inc., House of Brews, Zalik LLC, Outback-Carrabba’s partnership, Whitman Square Men’s Club, Hia Management LLC and Golf Course Associates Inc.
- Bob Abbott thanked council and the police department for their support during the Memorial Day ceremony.
- The next meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
