Hanover Adopts First Ever Economic Development Advisory Committee – A Promise Made, a Promise Kept….

 

One of my promises to the Township when I was campaigning in the Spring was to form an Economic Development Advisor Committee. The committee, a marketing tool for Hanover, will be charged to encourage quality neighbors to consider locating in Hanover Township. In the current economic climate, many towns are suffering from lost rateables and disappearing industries. Hanover, more than ever, is an attractive alternative with its low taxes, superior highway network, and highly skilled workforce.

 

Thanks to the cooperation of my colleagues on the Township Committee this commitment was fulfilled. My first step will be to meet with existing businesses to hear their concerns and positions on doing business in Hanover Township.

 

I have compiled information and data from surrounding towns and incorporated it into this new enabling ordinance.  

 

The committee will be comprised of one member from the township committee as well as representation from the business sector and township residents, all serving two year terms.   The committee will have no powers beyond that of advising the township of potential new neighbors and what their contribution would be to our tax base and infrastructure – both negatively and positively. Additionally, the EDAC would create outreach programs to inform the business sector of their existence as a first step to opening the door to Hanover.

 

“I cannot think of a better time and a better need for an economic development committee here in Hanover than right now,”  

 

Anyone interested in more information on the EDAC, or with qualifications they feel can contribute to the EDAC’s purpose; can contact  or submit resumes to Joseph Giorgio, Hanover Township Administrator, 1000 Route 10, Whippany.

 

Committeeman John T. Sheridan

 

 

(10/04/09 5:24pm)

Mr. Sheridan, We've reached the point where we're now about six months down the road from the time that the Economic Development Advisory Committee was formed. And while getting this committee to come into existence in the first place was an achievement of note (as well as a "promise kept"), I'm sure you well understand that it was, perhaps, the easiest part. Now days, the average voter in Hanover Township is very apt to be the sort of person who is consistently asking of their elected officials, "So what have you done for me lately?"

With that as an introduction, perhaps you will soon provide some highlights of some of the things the committee is currently working on or, better yet, provide some details on some of their more notable accomplishments.

Joe P.

Mr. P, I believe your post comes from a constructive point of view. I applaud Mr. Sheridan for bringing this idea to sleepy ole Hanover and asking the ever-charismatic Ron Francioli to be involved. Previous administrations relied on the mantra of "no bonded debt" and revenues from Lucent while they should have been looking for investors to fill the buildings on Hanover Rd. and other areas of Hanover that are no longer viable ratables. Colloid, the site on American Way and other sites slowed down by "I don't like it" are examples of why builders chose to build in other towns. As members of the committee plodded along, funding dried up and last year the planning board cancelled some meetings because there was nothing to discuss.

Our most recent past mayor liked to point out that he was only interested in "good solid ratables" and would never give a builder a sweetheart deal. His mentor; Mr. Steiger was often at the podium telling us that Hanover will be just fine, like Waldo he is hard to find these days. With the exception of the pasta warehouse and the CVS portion of Whippany Village, I'd like to ask these gentlemen; what is moving forward in Hanover and is everything still fine? Let's give Mr. Sheridan more than 6 months to undue the anti-business foot dragging of the past year and the sleepy bedroom mentality of past decades.

Gabriel