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