Oaths were taken by Paul Krug (standing, left to right), Sarah Noll, Chris Seaver, Christopher Zupsic, Jacob Vaneeuwn and Patrick Mercogliano.
The Harrison Township Committee swore in six out of the seven members who will comprise the new Economic Development Committee (EDC) during its meeting on Oct. 6.
Taking the oath were Sarah Noll, Paul Krug, Chris Seaver, Jacob Vaneeuwen, Patrick Mercogliano and Christopher Zupsic. Each volunteered for the positions.
“I want to thank the committee for this opportunity,” said Krug. “We plan to provide the best service we can to the members of the community and do everything we can to make Harrison Township a better place. We look forward to serving … “
The EDC was re-formed in June after the township committee voted unanimously to reintroduce it to the community. Its goal is to help bring in small businesses that address the needs of residents and help them develop into successful enterprises.
Overseeing the EDC is Committeeman TJ Coakley, a former member of the Mullica Hill Business Association and co-owner of Okinawa Kenpo Karate Academy on Main Street.
“Throughout the summer, I was fortunate enough to meet and reinvigorate myself with some people,” he noted. “Some folks were interested in joining and couldn’t because of realizing the serious commitment that this is and possibly the timing that it could take.”
The EDC will focus not only on small businesses but also the use or re-use of existing commercial and mixed-use properties in the community. The committee will not engage developers that are proposing warehousing, commercial centers or house-development projects, not does it have the authority to do so.
“I’m fortunate to have seven people that we’re going to take forward into the inaugural class,” said Coakley.
The six members in attendance were sworn in by Deputy Mayor Lawrence Moore through a township resolution.
“Congratulations again for the re-boot of the Harrison Township EDC,” said Moore. “We look forward to the work you will hopefully produce.”
The EDC will meet at some point in the near future to discuss what comes next. The next Harrison Township Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday at the township municipal building.
