As reported in ShoreNews Today; Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jim Whelan and Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-Atlantic, that would help existing industrial businesses in the Pinelands region grow and create jobs was signed into law by Gov. Christie Monday.

The law would allow existing rural development areas zoned for industrial use in the Pinelands to qualify for incentives through the Grow New Jersey and Economic Redevelopment and Growth programs.

“This is a great day for Atlantic County,” said Whelan. “Working in a bipartisan fashion, we were able to implement a law that is going to help Atlantic County’s largest manufacturing facility expand and create jobs.”

“Atlantic County families are still reeling from the recent casino closings,” said Mazzeo. “Extending incentives to companies who want to stay and grow in New Jersey will provide a much-needed lifeline to our region while at the same time having no negative effect on our beautiful Pinelands.”

The new law will help Comar, a company in Buena Vista Township that manufactures plastic bottles and packaging materials for medication, powders, supplements and more. The company said it would be forced to leave the state unless it can expand its existing facility.

With assistance from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Comar will expand, allowing for the creation of about 150 new jobs and bringing in more tax revenue to the township, according to a joint statement released by the legislators.

Buena Vista Township Mayor Chuck Chiarello said the region cannot afford to lose any more jobs or businesses and called the passage of the law a win-win for Comar and Atlantic County.

Whelan and Mazzeo said feedback was solicited from various environmental groups on the legislation, including the Sierra Club. Comar will not be increasing its footprint, and the new law narrowly applies to existing businesses already zoned for industrial use.

Credit of Story is ShoreNewsToday 

For 6 years Buena Vista Township has been a Bronze Member of Sustainable New Jersey which award points to towns and schools for their environmentally based programs that keeps things green.  Working extra hard for the past year, the Buena Vista Green Team and the Environmental Commission were able to boost their point levels to allow them to obtain “Silver Status” for the program for the first time.

The Township must maintain the Silver Status for the next 3 years and be prepared to maintain it after that time frame.  There is also a Gold Level that will have to be reviewed for the future.  Only a select number of towns in New Jersey receive these honors.

Buena Vista Township received their Silver bar at the New Jersey League of Municipalities in November 2016.

Special thanks go to Environmental Commission Chairman, John Williams and Township Clerk Lisa Tilton.  Other active members include Mary Motter, Teresa Kelly, Ben Simone, Marie Armato, Bonnie DeStefano, Kathy Babel, Valerie Behrens and Gene Sykes.

On Monday, December 5^th at 8 am, chainsaw artist, Brian Ackley of AckMonster’s Chainsaw Art, will commence carving the giant 235-year-old oak tree that died last year in Saw Mill Park, Richland Village.

The work will be done over a 7 to-9-day period through Tuesday, December 13^th, unless it is raining consistently.  Mr. Ackley will be carving the tree to create a panoramic display featuring highlights of Buena Vista Township’s 150 year’s existence.

We invite everyone out to watch, at a safe distance, as this master artist brings the giant old oak tree back to life with his carvings.

For more information please contact Pam McDaniels in the Mayors Office at 856-697-2100 ext. 8.

On or about November 9, 2016, two sheds that belong to the Township at Michael Debbi Park located on Cedar Avenue in Buena Vista Township were broken into.

Several items were stolen including four leaf blowers, one self-propelled walk behind mower, four weed whackers, one chain saw and one hedge trimmer. The ten items taken were valued over $5,000.

The Township is seeking information on the individual(s) that may have taken these items. A $500 reward is offered by the Township to anyone that has information leading to the arrest and conviction of those individual(s).

Anyone with information in encouraged to contact the New Jersey State Police at (609) 561-7267 or the Township at (856) 697-2100 ext. 1 or ext. 8.

The Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee presents the 17th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony/Fire Truck Parade on Friday, December 2nd at 6:30 pm at Township Hall, 890 Harding Hwy., Buena.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves will arrive in a Fire Truck Parade.  There will be sing-a-longs and lots of Holiday music.  Tell Santa what is on your wish list and receive a special present!  Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served.  Help support our local Food Bank by bringing canned food or a non-perishable item and receive a ticket for a chance to win a prize. Let’s kick off this Holiday Season in the true spirit of Buena Vista!

The season is approaching where we are once again asking for a helping hand to those less fortunate in our community this Thanksgiving and Christmas time.  Buena Vista Township will be accepting canned food and non-perishable food items that will go to help the Community Food Pantry at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in Newtonville and the Abundant Living Church Food Bank located on Route 54 at Jackson Road.

Collection containers will be located at each of the Township Post Offices, BVT Municipal Building, and the MLK Community Center, 661 Jackson Rd. in Newtonville.  Please make any donations no later than December 16th.