Upper Residents Want Full Parkway Interchange

PETERSBURG – For its regular meeting Jan. 8, Upper Township Committee member John Coggins invited members of the township’s Economic Development Advisory Commission to provide an update on its activities.   
The commission was established about nine months ago to stimulate economic activity in the municipality and, specifically, to attract and retain business in Upper Township.
Speaking for the group, Chairperson Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt, gave the results of a related survey the commission organized in November for township residents.
“Rather than creating yet another business development strategy, we decided there were plenty already done that could be of value. So we are focusing on the results of the survey to identify priorities for our activities for the coming year,” she said.
Adelizzi-Schmidt said that the commission had taken a lengthy list of suggestions as to how to improve the municipality as a business location and for its “smart growth.”
She winnowed that list to four top concerns: 
* Create a viable town center in Marmora and Seaville.
* Link the municipality to other bike paths.
* Enhance signage that highlights Upper’s assets such as historical importance and as a gateway to the shore.
* Push for a full interchange at Exit 20 of the Garden State Parkway.
Per the online resident survey, Adelizzi-Schmidt explained, the overriding choice among those four was to create the Exit 20 interchange. It registered 292 responses and 90 percent supporting this focus option.
“We’re planning to organize a town-hall meeting to continue engaging our residents on any upcoming projects including the interchange,” said Adelizzi-Schmidt.
Mayor Richard Palombo noted that on behalf of the committee and Upper Township residents the commission deserved a lot of thanks for what it had accomplished in less than a year.
“Our township has so many assets we can promote such as its small town, friendly atmosphere, our schools, our ecotourism and recreation activities, reasonable taxes, safety and EMS support; all these are frequently mentioned by our residents as what makes Upper such a great place to live.
“On the (Parkway) interchange issue, I’ve frequently met with Sen. (Jeff) Van Drew to see how we move it forward despite state budgetary hurdles. So, thank you for all your hard work so far, and we will examine very positively any way we can provide some funding for what the commission is accomplishing and will accomplish.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.