Dear Editor:
I write to stress the importance of Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ) to local municipalities.
Such zones provide for a reduced sales tax rate of 3.5%. The reduced rate of sales tax is a benefit that attracts customers to urban shopping districts and keeps local shoppers in town.
Furthermore, the collected sales tax is set aside by the State of New Jersey, and then may be utilized for various projects to improve local shopping districts, further enhancing both the entrepreneurial and consumer experience.
As you may know, local shopping districts have numerous attributes, such as close proximity to a vast system of major roadways which encompass the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 495, Routes 1 & 9, Route 3 and both the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels.
Clearly, local business districts may be easily reached from anywhere in the New York City Metropolitan Area, making it easy for prospective customers to utilize our Main Streets.
Also, consumers are attracted to our avenues to enjoy culinary delights that are unique to the cultures that comprise our communities.
In closing, I encourage residents to support local establishments, as the economy begins to recover and we work with our neighbors to ensure that markets recover.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Stack
State Senator