One of the most important aspects of business development is working with existing businesses, which in turn could foster relationships with new businesses. Keeping this practice good for business development, and it is something Washington Township Mayor Joann Gattinelli and her administration emphasize.
At the most recent council meeting, the Washington Township council adopted two ordinances on second reading which would give two businesses in town tax abatements. First, the Gloucester County Animal Hospital located on Egg Harbor Road will receive an abatement on any expansion completed. Second, the new Panda Express, located on Route 42 where the old D’Eva Furniture store was located, will receive a tax abatement as well.
With this action, Gattinelli showed, again, that Washington Township is open for business. The Oct. 23 council meeting was another chapter completed in her book of economic development.
In other news:
• The following resolutions were passed: approving the amusement park and games license from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020 for Nifty Fifty’s on Route 42; Tara Bosco was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees; a contract for various concrete improvements for the township was awarded to Command Co. Inc. in the amount of $293,420; and the township will solicit bids for snow plowing services for the upcoming season.
• Gattinelli awarded Julianna Blaszyk employee of the month for October. Blaszyk is an administrative employee in the tax office.
“She is one of our recent members, but she has shown, even in her young life, so much dedication, passion, compassion for others within our agency. I wanted to recognize her this month for her hard work for the month of October,” Gattinelli said.
• Council president Joe Perry announced the curfew for mischief night, Oct. 30, will be 8 p.m. The hours for trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 will be from 3 to 8 p.m.
• Gattinelli awarded Mark Moore of Underground Martial Arts a proclamation for his leadership in the community. Gattinelli and her administration were made aware of the work Moore has done through an email from Kirsten Bradford, a martial arts practitioner at Moore’s dojo.
• A $2,000 grant was awarded for the Cops and Bobbers 2020 program. The police department partnered with the Rotary and the grant was awarded through the Pincus Family Foundation.
• During public comment, resident Bob Maloney addressed council in regard to the veteran wall in the rear of the court room in the municipal building.
“I rise to speak for those who can’t,” Maloney said. “What you have done in the back of this room is extraordinary. I thank you for it.”
• The next council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building. This meeting is open to the public.
