Officials highlight business-friendly policies
WEST MILFORD. Mayor says she and council members have worked hard to help local businesses and attract new ones.
| 09 May 2023 | 07:43
Ralph Spice, a restaurant at 1614 Union Valley Road, is closing at the end of May. (Photo by Kathy Shwiff)
Officials defended their policy toward business against criticism from residents on social media in the wake of the Ralph Spice restaurant’s announcement that it is closing.
Ralph Spice, a restaurant at 1614 Union Valley Road, recently posted on Facebook that it will be closing at the end of May. “It was an immediate action that was out of our control unfortunately.”
During the council meeting May 3, Councilman Matthew Conlon said he was sad to see a popular local restaurant closing. But he said that was the result of a business decision by the property owner.
“The situation is unfortunate ... but it’s not the fault of the township. The township has made a concerted effort to be extremely open to business.”
Mayor Michele Dale said she and council members have worked hard to help local businesses and to attract new ones.
“We’ve updated ordinances ... we’re investing significantly in software as soon as the budget passes to increase our speed of efficiency for our residents and our businesses.
”The stigma that we’re not business-friendly is completely and utterly false in my opinion,” she added.
Noting that West Milford is one of only three towns completely in the Highlands Preservation area, Dale said local officials have asked the Highlands Council to carve out a small section along Route 23 for green development.
“Instead of giving us tons of money to study things, give us stuff to implement the infrastructure changes from the studies without putting the burden back on our residents and the tax base of this township.”
She pointed out that West Milford has not increased local taxes in the past five years. “But I can tell you that’s not sustainable here.”
During the meeting, Edward Steines was appointed the township’s emergency management coordinator for three years through May 31, 2026. Michael Moscatello was appointed deputy coordinator for the same period.
Dale also said West Milford will have a Memorial Day parade at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29 in Veterans Park.
She urged residents to attend the event. “Please come out, please teach your children why it’s so important to be there.”
Council member Ada Erik was absent from the meeting.