Wayne's Dormant Economic Development Commission Likely To Be Dissolved

WAYNE, NJ — After not meeting for several years, Wayne Township's Economic Development Commission may officially become a thing of the past.

On Wednesday, Township Council will consider an ordinance that repeals the section of the town code setting out requirements for the commission.

Currently, the 13-member commission is tasked with working to attract businesses and promote economic development in town, but it has not met since about 2017 and the council hasn't made any recent appointments.

Mayor Chris Vergano has said in the past that there were a lot of "politics" going on within the commission, and that developers don't want to meet with such a large board when they bring a proposal to town. Instead, businesses will meet with the mayor and other town officials.

But, 5th Ward Councilwoman Fran Ritter said a working economic development commission is important to attract new business and greater commercial tax revenue.

"Residential development in Wayne is significantly outpacing commercial without any plans for a significant commercial tax offset in sight," she said.