JACKSON – New Jersey’s first Lt. Governor stated that 2016 was the best year for job growth in New Jersey since 2000.
Kim Guadagno spoke to a full room of members of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce at their membership dinner meeting on April 5th. The dinner meeting was held at the Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson and was attended by the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, numerous Township business leaders, Mayor Mike Reina and Town Council members Barry Calogero, Ken Bressi and Ann Updegrave.
Lt. Governor Guadagno briefly described her work over her past seven years in office, to create jobs and economy growth in New Jersey. She said that the unemployment rate in NJ dropped from 9.2% in 2010 to 4.3% in 2017. The Lt. Governor said she had to cut through a lot of red tape, but was definitely making progress.
“My job has been to make sure that jobs stay in New Jersey, grow in New Jersey or are attracted to New Jersey,” she said. She thanked the Mayor and Town Council for continuing in their efforts to bring ratables, which bring jobs, into Jackson Township. “I work for you, and in Jackson you have a Council who will not stand in the way of progress”.
She also stated that her one of her main objectives was “to Make New Jersey affordable again. People should not have to leave their homes because they can’t afford to live here”.
Also speaking to the group were Tom Bovino of Leigh Realty Company and Ed Walters of the Walters Group who gave an update on the progress of The Gardens at Jackson (Jackson 21). 93 families have taken residence in the Gardens and they are ready for Phase 2 to begin, The Condos at Jackson 21. They thanked the current township administration for being ardent in planning and implementing all of their obligations of affordable housing.
88 affordable units will be integrated throughout the complex. All of the applicants for affordable housing in Jackson 21 are required to submit to a background check as well as a credit report before consideration for acceptance.
Mr. Walters stated that there is an onsite property manager who lives in the complex. A 3000-square foot clubhouse, picnic area, playgrounds and pool are planned for this phase.
For information on the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, please call 732-833-0005 or write to jcinfo@jacksonchamber.com.
Submitted by
Patricia Wood
