NEWTON, NJ: Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Newton Councilmembers and staff have been hard at work in increasing local business activity and identifying new economic opportunities to keep town business ratables at a healthy level while protecting and preserving its scenic and centrally located rural setting. As a result, new businesses — large and small — have been saying “yes” to Newton and establishing or expanding their operations in town at the benefit of local taxpayers and residents.

Councilmembers Matthew Dickson and Sandra Lee Diglio, working together with then- Councilmember and Planning Board Member Helen Le Frois, are making good on their efforts to establish Newton as the go-to location for those to live, play, and work in the epicenter of Sussex County. Town officials, through their engagement with town residents and business leaders, are committed to providing a balanced and vital economy, affordable services and lifestyles, and the preservation of good quality of life for residents.

Still, councilmembers say, more work needs to be done and residents can expect to see business outreach to add to the revitalization of the business district. At the direction of the Council, the Town Manager has been in contact with a number of prospective businesses with the goal of adding to Newton’s success.

Multi-national corporation Thorlabs, a leading designer and manufacturer of photonics equipment, recently repurposed an existing, vacant building in town (the old Camp Iliff) and built a new 158,000 square foot facility, expanding its Newton campus. The new manufacturing space allows for the company to accelerate its manufacturing capabilities to serve its customers nationwide. The project adds to the Thorlabs’ Newton campus which includes its global headquarters.

Other established businesses that are growing and prospering include but are not limited to:
Atlantic Health System, 175 High Street
Planet Networks, 4 Park Place
Farmer’s Daughter, 161-165 Spring Street
Grinds and Greens, 225 Spring Street
Indian Masala, 214 Spring Street
Thistle and Clover, 180 Spring Street
Weis Gas and Go, 121 Water Street
Poy’s Thai Kitchen, 240 Spring Street
Thrive Embodied Bodied Arts, 180 Spring Street
Mi Rancho Meat Market, 189 Spring Street
And multiple Teyma properties on Spring Street and Trinity Street

These businesses not only concentrate on their efficient operations and profitable bottom line, but they also pay it forward by connecting with and patronizing other smaller businesses in town. Additionally, many of these entrepreneurs collaborate with and positively impact local educational institutions lending their knowledge, expertise and community spirit to students, residents, and town officials.

Construction continues on mixed-use development, including 100 residential units that also will welcome a Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Chipotle on the former G&H lot at Water Street and South Park Drive for residents’ convenience and more favorable ratables for the entire town.

The Town of Newton also has become the first town to partner with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Fairleigh Dickenson University (FDU) to pursue the future establishment of Entrepreneurial Zones (EZone) to help local small and marginalized businesses expand, succeed, and create more private sector jobs.

ABOUT NEWTON FIRST: Sandra Lee Diglio, Matthew Dickson, and Helen Le Frois are running on the “Newton First” team for Newton Town Council. The “Newton First” slate offers residents community-focused professionals with more than 50 years’ experience in various volunteer, professional, and municipal positions. Diglio, Dickson and Le Frois are the most accomplished leaders in planning, management, and decision-making to ensure continued results that will improve the quality-of-life in Newton.

Residents can follow the “Newton First” team on
Facebook @Diglio Dickson & LeFrois for Newton Town Council
Instagram @diglio_dickson_and_lefrois
Website //newtonfirst2022wixsite.com/my-site
Email: newtonfirst2022@gmail.com