Assemblymen propose ‘technology neighborhood’

By MICHELLE LEE Staff Writer | Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009 | 0 comments

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - State Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vincent Polistina, R-Atlantic, announced Thursday they plan to craft bills to create special financial and tax incentives for aviation businesses.

Amodeo and Polistina, who are up for re-election Nov. 3, said they want to develop an "Edison Innovation Zone" in Egg Harbor, Galloway and Hamilton townships and Egg Harbor City. The zones, a state-run program, provide funding and labor training grants for companies inside special "technology neighborhoods." There are currently three such zones in New Jersey: in Camden, North Brunswick and Newark.

The assemblymen said they plan to write legislation that would allow state and county colleges and vocational schools to partner with private companies to create tax-deductible aviation training and internship programs. They would said they want to create an income tax exclusion for aviation job training programs and add aviation to the state's list of core industries.

Amodeo and Polistina publicized their ideas Thursday afternoon at a press conference held outside the former Lenox china factory on Tilton Road, which closed in 2005. If their proposals are approved, Amodeo and Polistina said buildings such as the Lenox factory could transform into aviation business offices.

The "aviation package" bills are in draft form, and the assemblymen said they plan to send final versions to Legislature next month.

Democrats Reginald Floyd and Jimmy Martinez are running against the incumbents.

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