Montgomery Township is located in Somerset County, New Jersey and offers a perfect environment for business. We recognize that maintaining our high quality of life has a direct impact on our local economy. That's why we make smart zoning and land use planning decisions and maintain our infrastructure.
A professional staff and economic development commission are here to serve your needs. We work to analyze the economic development
of the region and to promote the sound development of the Township.
The Montgomery Township Economic Development Commission held its annual Winter Business Networking Forum on Tuesday February 26th from 6pm-8pm. The forum featured three speakers- Michael Winter, Chief Administrative Officer at Choose New Jersey, Nathalia Giraldo, Director of Financial Programs at Regional Business Assistance Corporation (RBAC), and Bill McCoy, a representative from the Bank of Princeton commercial lending department. Township Committee Liaison Rich Smith attended the forum as did EDC Chairman Dan O'Kavage and a number of EDC members, who hosted and helped organize the event.
The event was attended by approximately 50 business people and was held at The Princeton Elks Lodge 2129, 354 Route 518, Blawenburg. There were excellent refreshments, many networking opportunities, as well as a few selected attendees spotlighting their local businesses.
Focus on Promotion and Retention – Updated April 2013
Local business owners looking for an economical way to promote and enhance their business may wish to consider joining the Montgomery Business Association (“MBA”) and benefit from the group’s expertise in marketing, promoting and advocating for small businesses. Beginning with a “Shop Local” campaign, the MBA is currently planning events and promotions for its members. They will once again conduct a business expo at the Montgomery Earth Day Fair. They are also helping non-profit businesses in Montgomery by helping to organize and bring back the Montgomery Rodeo fundraiser this year. You may see their Shop Local posters and flyers around town at MBA member businesses. To take advantage of this opportunity visit www.shoplocalmontgomery.com.
The Township’s “Sustainable Montgomery” group suggested a “Shop Local” campaign to help reduce greenhouse gases with shorter car trips and build a stronger sense of community in Montgomery. The Township Committee and the Economic Development Commission hopes that the campaign will keep more money circulating in the local economy and support local business.
New Loop Roads to Relieve Congestion on Route 206; Multi-Year Township Plan Moves Ahead – Summer 2009
Two new loop roads are providing traffic relief along Route 206 at the Princeton border. They are part of a multi-year plan by the Township to relieve congestion at the main intersections of Route 206 along the commercial corridor between Route 518 and Cherry Valley Road. The Township secured State grants to offset construction costs and also partnered with Princeton Township on one of the roads. The Township has taken a regional planning approach to traffic relief.
New bus shelters and crosswalks improve shoppers safety along Route 206 retail corridor – October 2009
The Township’s plan to enhance the commercial corridor of Route 206 is underway. Recent improvements include new bus shelters installed by NJ Transit that will serve the Route 605 bus line and high-visibility crosswalks connecting retail shopping centers have been installed by NJ DOT. These improvements are a result of the Township’s persistence with State agencies to address lingering issues. The Township is also working on a plan to bring housing into the retail mix hoping to provide a 24/7 environment for the commercial corridor.
Montgomery Recognized As Part of Einstein’s Alley – Fall 2008
Route 206 at Orchard Rd. now boasts an Einstein’s Alley sign recognizing the high tech accomplishments and promising future of corporations based in Montgomery. During a brief dedication, Mayor Cecilia Birge was presented with a certificate by Katherine Kish and Louis Wagman, co-executive directors of Einstein’s Alley. It recognized her support for Einstein’s Alley, the central NJ economic development initiative and recognized Montgomery Twp.’s role as a key municipality in Einstein’s Alley. Also present were Deputy Mayor Brad Fay, Committeewoman Louise Wilson, EDC Chairperson Walter Geslak and Planning Board member Milton Charbonneau.
Mayor Birge noted, “We are proud that our location, quality of life, open space and cultural diversity attract both corporate leaders and their employees to Montgomery. We appreciate this special recognition.” Mayor Birge has a unique family link to Albert Einstein. Her grandfather, P.Y. Chou, a leading Chinese physicist with a PhD earned at Cal Tech in 1928, worked for a time with Einstein at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Princeton in the 1940s.
Ms. Kish commented on the unique benefits enjoyed by corporations located in Montgomery.
“Montgomery has so much to offer - ready access to one of the best-educated workforces in the U.S., for one,” Mrs. Kish stated. “Plus proximity to ports, airports, railways, two of the largest U.S. cities and some of the top universities in the country,” she added.
Montgomery Township is home to many notable corporate leaders. The corporate offices at 23 Orchard Rd., where the sign is located, contain freshly remodeled offices now occupied by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Oscient Pharmaceutical and Blessing White, among others. ConvaTec, Bristol Meyers Squibb and Bloomberg LLC are a few doors down.
Einstein’s Alley is a private, non-profit economic development initiative which works to see Central New Jersey recognized as the destination for technology companies. Their mission is to foster economic growth through advocacy and delivery of services that will:
Attract and retain innovative research based companies
Build entrepreneurship
Prepare the workforce for the future
Promote livable communities and sustainable development
U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (D-12) was instrumental in developing the Einstein’s Alley organization.
Are you New to the Neighborhood?
Welcome to Montgomery Township! If you would like to hold a ceremonial ribbon cutting with the Mayor and the EDC Chair, please email Lori Savron, PP, AICP, Planning Director at LSavron@twp.montgomery.nj.us
Economic Development Commission
Overview
The Economic Development Commission was created to analyze the economic development of the region and to promote the sound development of the Township. Furthermore, the EDC is charged with mobilizing the potential resources of the Township for efficient, commercial, office and economic development uses. They are to conduct a thorough study of the basic economic advantages of the Township and promote the same so that a program for managed and selected growth of clean and environmentally desirable ratables may be realized.
Meetings
The Commission meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Lower Level Conference Room.
Key Municipal Personnel
Overview
A professional staff is here to serve you. Please feel free to contact staff members directly should you need assistance or guidance.
Donato has been managing the Township since 1999. As Township Administrator he works closely with the Township Committee and has an open door policy to every resident and business owner in the Township. His 26 years experience in municipal management in central NJ has provided him with a vast knowledge of the economic and demographic make-up of the community, as well as the regional economic market and climate.
Memberships: International City and County Managers Association (ICCMA)
New Jersey Municipal Managers Association (NJMMA)
Somerset County Municipal Managers Association, Past President (SCMMA)
Education: Master Public Administration from Rutgers University
Lori has been working for the Township since 1999. As Planning Director she works closely with local businesses on matters related to planning, zoning and build-out of their property. She oversees the implementation of the master plan, and works closely with the Township Engineer on sewer connections and traffic circulation issues.
Membership: American Planning Association (APA)
New Jersey American Planning Association (NJ-APA)
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) License: New Jersey Professional Planner Education: Master in Planning from University of Virginia
Joe has been working for the Township since 2004. As zoning officer he serves as the point-person for businesses regarding land use, signs, zoning and other requirements. He is available to answer questions regarding permitting, change of use/occupancy, tenant fit-outs, and whether environmentally sensitive areas may impact your property.
Education: Master in Public Administration from Kean University
Gail has been working for the Township since 1996, serving as Township Engineer since 2004. As Township Engineer she oversees construction of site improvements and municipal capital improvement projects (roads, sewers, etc). She is available to answer any questions regarding the sewer service areas and sewer connections, traffic relief plans and transportation matters for local, Somerset County and State projects, road and bridge projects, and stormwater management.
Licenses: Professional Engineer (PE)
Certified Municipal Engineer (CME)
Certified Flood Plain Manager (CFM)
Memberships: NJ Society of Municipal Engineers
NJ Association for Floodplain Management
Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, New England College
Roy has been working for the Township since 1985. As Construction Official he oversees local permitting of all construction projects and manages the plumbing, electrical and building subcode officials. Montgomery is a Class I Agency. He is available to answer questions regarding the Uniform Construction Code and questions regarding building permits. The Township’s Technical Assistant to the Construction Official, Alicia Herold, is also available to assist you with all of your permitting needs.
Licenses: Construction Official, Construction Code Official,
Building Subcode & Fire Subcode
Building Technical – Highrise & Hazard Structures
Fire Technical – Highrise & Hazard Structures
Mechanical Technical – Highrise & Hazard Structures
Roy has been working for the Township since 1985. As fire marshall he is in charge of the fire prevention bureau, fire inspections, permit applications, smoke detector certifications for resale of residential properties, public education and fire investigation. He is available to answer your questions regarding required inspections, location of hydrants, open burning complaints and fire code violations.
Education: Associate in Fire Science, Middlesex County College Licenses: Fire Marshall, Fire Subcode Official, ICS Fire &
Highride & Hazard Structures (Fire) Memberships: National Fire Prevention Association
Somerset County Fire Marshalls Association
International Fire Society Association
International Fire Society of Fire Instructors
NJ Arson Association
Stephanie has been working for the Township since 2004. As Health Officer she is responsible for assuring the health of the community and environment. She oversees individual waster water disposal (i.e. septic systems), food safety, drinking water safety, disease vectors, communicable disease, and health education. She is available to answer questions regarding septic installation and maintenance, retail food sales, public swimming pools and flu clinic.
Education: Master in Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, Specialist in Environmental and Occupational Health Memberships: NJ Health Officers Association
Somerset County Health Officers Association
NJ Environmental Health Association
