Supporting Our Small Businesses

I support doing all we can to support our local small businesses. Expanding the Shop West Orange small business program will incentivize residents to shop locally while seeing a return on their property tax bill. I propose developing a vacant storefront registry on the town website to assist prospective businesses in finding space. We should also aim to become a veteran friendly business municipality like neighboring towns.

A Sustainable Vision for West Orange

1. Have a “How to Do Business in WO” resource on our website
2. Create a first of its kind “Zillow” model on our website - where all specs of vacant properties are listed, what they are zoned for, liquor license, parking spaces, etc, to make it 1 step easier to come do business in town.
3. Waive the annual mercantile fee for US veteran owned & first time business owners.
4. Conduct outreach to our business owners twice per year to request data and feedback, and utilize it to improve
5. Fix our red tape- it takes too long to get permits and approvals!!
6. Hire an in-house Strategic Town Planner that is COMPREHENSIVE IN SCOPE
7. Establish a new Director of Economic Growth position
8. Expand and Advertise the Shop Local WO program
9. Expand on-demand , cheap, microtransit options that will free up parking along Main St, facilitate local job opportunity, and make it easier to get to our businesses.

Protecting Open Space, & Planning Smart Growth

West Orange’s future depends on the choices we make today. By protecting small businesses, preserving open space, and investing in sustainable infrastructure, we can leave our community stronger, healthier, and more resilient for future generations.

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