Norris: Clark’s Redevelopment Scheme Has Failed

In early 2018, under the leadership of Mayor Mike Clark, a plan was launched to spur economic development in Middle Township. Clark’s plan called for certain tracts of land and properties to be designated as Areas in Need of Rehabilitation or Redevelopment.
New construction would be incentivized by offering tax breaks to large developers. The burdensome concept required multiple hearings before the Planning Board, lengthy state approvals and the hiring of expensive professional consultants.
Clark touted the plan as “no-cost” to the taxpayers. He claimed all the attorney and engineering fees would be paid by the developers of the properties.
Flash forward18 months, and the results of Clark’s scheme are dismal. Zero new projects moving forward, and the township is on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in consulting costs. The only ones who have profited are the politically-connected professionals hired by Clark’s Democrat-controlled administration.
“This complicated plan is a poster child for big government waste and bureaucracy,” said Republican township committee candidate Jim Norris. “Mike Clark wants to give huge tax breaks to spur new development on green spaces, while dozens of storefronts and large commercial properties sit empty.”
Norris noted that several new projects are underway in the township, and none required any complicated government intervention.
“I agree with the Republican majority’s philosophy that a stable tax rate and a well-run town will attract and retain well-run businesses,” Norris said. “When government tries to meddle in this process, it only gets in the way. Costs to the taxpayers inevitably go up. If we are giving developers tax breaks, it’s our hard-working families and senior citizens on fixed incomes who have to pay the difference.”
Norris calls for a smarter approach that would fill existing, vacant commercial properties while preserving undeveloped, open space.
“New Jersey is already the toughest place to start a business in America,” Norris explained. “The idea that adding more layers of red tape to the process will spur economic activity makes no sense. Government needs to get out of the way! We need to streamline the process, provide the tools and resources to guide our entrepreneurs and encourage creative, local, small business development.
“I know many my age that are hardworking and have great ideas for new businesses. They want to live and work right here where they were raised. If we are willing to reject the old “big box” mentality, we can build a thriving downtown, expand our tax base, attract more visitor dollars and improve our quality of life. Let’s get to work!”
Ordered and paid for by Norris for Committee, 113 S. 10th St., Del Haven, NJ 08251.