Economic Development Committee
Chairman Jim Bollerman, Sandy Hook Bay Marina
Jim Filip, Doris & Ed's Restaurant
hbp@highlandsnj.com

This Committee's Projects

Business Recruitment/Retention is the foundation of this HBP Committee that will focus on promoting economic development of the commercial sector of Highlands.  Underutilized properties, over 80 by the first review, in commercially zoned areas will be a priority for the committee to find strategies to recruit new businesses that compliment the existing business operations or encourage expansion of existing businesses.

Identifying the range of issues that deter businesses from staying in Highlands is an equally important task for this committee to document.  Finding the appropriate solutions to the issues that contribute to businesses leaving Highlands is important to maintaining a viable business environment.  A continued vision for Highlands Commercial District will affect all the committees of HBP.  The committee will use the existing Highlands Master Plan, Zoning Ordinances and Waterfront Revitalization Report to further define the vision for Highlands' Business sector. 

Creating a "Business Guide" to help the new business owner find their way through the maze of Borough regulations and finding methods to streamline the permit and review process.  A goal to create a "turbo resolutions" process similar to Red Bank's permit and review process is planned.  You can not invite new business and then have them find themselves in a hostile environment after they invest their money.  Long range goals for establishing a water taxi/trolley linkage to create an inter-modal link with the water and NYC will be considered.  In addition establishing a marina/with docking boat ramp facilities is a frequent topic for discussion and a challenging one for the business community to consider.