Middle Township to Hold Monthly Public Meetings on Economic Development

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – Middle Township officials are encouraging local residents and businesses to participate in the Economic Development Councilś ongoing focus of increasing opportunities. All are invited to attend the councilś next meeting, 6 p.m. Nov. 8, in the municipal building’s meeting room, to share ideas on what businesses should come to Middle Township.
The Township is updating its 2013 Market Analysis and the public’s input is a critical part of the plan.   The Council will use the information to attract new businesses to the Township.  The 2013 Report can be found by clicking on Economic Development on www.MiddleTownship.com.  If you are unable to make the meeting, please submit your comments on the website.
More than a dozen members of the community gathered at the Council’s Oct. 3 meeting to discuss business development.  Council Chairman Brian Murphy led the discussion on ways to boost the economy and create local jobs.
“We are excited to welcome new businesses to Middle Township and will work with owners to help make it happen. We want to see more of ‘Grand Opening’ signs,”said Mayor Michael Clark.
The Township’s diverse population and landscape offer unique opportunities for business owners.
“Wouldn’t it be something to see the industries that built Middle Township over 200 years ago, drive an economic revival in the twenty-first century,” Committeeman Tim Donohue said. “There is great potential to be harnessed in our slowing maturing oyster industry, local, organic farms, fledgling microbreweries, wineries and distilleries. By nurturing and harvesting our local bounty, we can create an eco-agro model that will create quality, year round employment and attract a new brand of tourism that is sweeping our country.”
The new meeting format included a presentation by Jeannine MacDonald of Triad Associates, who detailed the revolving loan program the municipality offers to assist businesses.
The program allows new and current Middle Township business owners to borrow between $10,000 to $100,000 for a maximum term of five years at interest rates at or below market to purchase or renovate commercial spaces. The goal is to fill in gaps that may not be covered by traditional loans, she said.
Additionally, Middle Township offers loans of $5,000 to $35,000 to business owners for facade improvements, such as windows, signs and exterior lighting. For more information on the loans or for an application, contact Nancy Sittineri, Economic Development Coordinator, at (609) 465-8731 or nsittineri@middletownship.com.
The meeting also featured a presentation by Planning & Zoning Board Engineer Vincent Orlando, who detailed the free “conceptual review” offered by township professionals. The professionals will be available Fridays to discuss plans with business owners and help them navigate available resources.  Contact Kaytie Keating at (609) 465-8742 or kkeating@middletownship.com to schedule an appointment.
A spirited group discussion on the viability of a Farmerś Market in Middle Township rounded out the meeting.
The Township is also exploring the potential for growth and jobs in areas such as aquaculture, eco-tourism, historic preservation, and recreation. These topics will be featured in future public meetings. There will also be a workshop offered in early December that will highlight a variety of funding programs available to businesses.
“Wouldn’t it be something to see the industries that built Middle Township over two hundred years ago, drive an economic revival in the twenty-first century,” Committeeman Tim Donohue said. “There is great potential to be harnessed in our slowing maturing oyster industry, local, organic farms, fledgling microbreweries, wineries and distilleries. By nurturing and harvesting our local bounty, we can create an eco-agro model that will create quality, year round employment and attract a new brand of tourism that is sweeping our country.”
The volunteer Economic Development Council meets monthly. Council members include Chairman Brian Murphy, Treasurer Mark Saioni, and members Lou Altobelli, Patrick McCusker,  Rick Rixey, Cheryl Spaulding, and newest member Yiannis Karapanagiotis, owner of the recently opened George’s Place Cape May Court House.   The Council has three (3) vacancies and is looking for new members.  If interested, send your letter of interest and qualifications to Nancy Sittineri at nsittineri@middletownship.com.
The township is also actively soliciting feedback from business owners as to challenges they face and tools for their success. Visit http://middletownship.com/departments/economic-development/ and click on the box: “How Can Middle Township Help Your Business?” to provide input.