PLUMSTED		TOWNSHIP
Pride in Plumsted, the State's Center

Town Talk

The Township Committee approved the introduction of an ordinance to create a Special Improvement District that would provide opportunities for every business in the entire Township to participate in a voluntary program designed to preserve and enhance economic growth and employment with property tax abatements (reductions) of 10% each year for five years. This property tax reduction incentive plan expands on a similar program presently being offered by the Township Committee for homeowners to reduce their property taxes by 20% for five years on the cost of improvements for homes 20 years old or older.

The Township Committee’s professional consultant for business retention and attraction, the nationally recognized “JGSC Group”, whose services are funded by a $20,000 State Department of Community Affairs Grant, conducted a feasibility study that recommended the establishment of the Special Improvement District for Township wide businesses. In so doing, the Township would also then be qualified to receive up to $600,000 at “zero (0) per cent” interest from the State’s Department of Community Affairs’, Office of Smart Growth, “Business Improvement Zone Loan Fund.”

The Township Committee is also pursuing another State Grant program, known as the “Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program” that permits businesses to receive a direct credit deduction on a portion of their taxes due the State and redirect that tax revenue to approved revitalization projects within Plumsted’s Special Improvement District, subject to the Department of Community Affairs’ approval.

The construction of the Township’s first Senior Citizen Meeting Room, with grant funding, is nearing completion with a formal dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony to be scheduled this Spring. The Township Committee appointed Fran St.Clair, as the newest addition to our Senior Advisory Committee, the Senior Outreach Search (S.O.S.), at the February 6^th Township meeting.

As a result of Anita Stevens retiring after 42 years with Plumsted, the Township Committee appointed and welcomed our new Municipal Court Administrator, Steven Millette, who previously was employed in the Jackson Township Municipal Court. The Township’s Environmental Commission has a vacancy and anyone with an interest in serving is encouraged to send a letter and / or a resume to the Township Committee for consideration. Residents are reminded that the Recycling, Bulk Waste, Leaf and Branch Sites are closed Saturday, February 16^th, in observance of the President’s Day Holiday weekend.

            The next regularly scheduled public meetings with the new administration of Township Committee members Dave Leutwyler, Steve Reed, Eric Sorchik, Deputy Mayor Mike McCue and Mayor Ron Dancer is Wednesday, March 5^th at 8:00 P.M.  Public comments and participation are encouraged at all Township Committee meetings. . Browse the Township website: www.plumsted.org and www.mainstreetne.org for more information and current events.

            As a result of the new Township Committee meeting schedule, the dates for the monthly one-on-one personal meeting sessions with Mayor Ron Dancer at the Library every month have also been revised. In 2007, meet personally with the Mayor at the Library on the second (2nd) Wednesday of each month ( February 13^{th &}  March 12) from 7 to 9 p.m. to discuss local concerns or State issues. Residents may call the Library (758-7888) in advance to schedule a specific time for your convenience. The Mayor encourages residents to contact him anytime at 758-2241x102 Township / 758-3497 Home / r.s.dancer@att.net

           Can't get to the meetings or the hours scheduled at the library. To discuss your concerns and issues personally with the mayor, click for more information.

           Residents may also contact our State Legislative office at 732-901-0702 to meet or speak with Senator Bob Singer or Assemblyman Joe Malone. Concerning Federal issues, contact Congressman Chris Smith at 732-350-2300 and for County issues contact Freeholder Director John P. Kelly at 800-722-0291.

Ron Dancer, Mayor

609-758-2241 Township - Ext 102

609-758-3497 Home

Email: r.s.dancer@att.net

www.plumsted.org