Scroll Top

CRYAN & QUIJANO: CHRISTIE VETO HURTS PLANS TO CREATE JOBS & REDEVELOP NEIGHBORHOODS

(20th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano said Gov. Chris Christie’s Monday veto of legislation that would have helped projects such as Morning Star Plaza in Union County threatens plans to create jobs and improve struggling neighborhoods.
“We shouldn’t be surprised at this veto, considering this project wasn’t meant for the millionaires who continue to be the only ones to benefit under Gov. Christie,” said Cryan (D-Union). “Once again, this governor is targeting the poor and those struggling to make ends meet, while ensuring only the rich get richer. The governor’s constant drumbeat against working class New Jerseyans is unconscionable, but unfortunately it’s becoming the norm.”
The bill (A-2572) would allow a municipality that is adjacent to two or more municipalities in which an urban enterprise zone is located to receive assistance from the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.
The Morning Star Plaza project in Linden would be among those helped by the legislation. The project, expected to open in fall 2011, would bring new residential, office and retail opportunities into Linden and Roselle.
“This project is designed to help two revitalize two communities working hard to improve, but hamstrung by a location that barely left it out of vital redevelopment help,” said Quijano (D-Union). “With this veto, Gov. Christie has made it more clear that creating jobs and redeveloping distressed communities is not a priority. That’s bad news for New Jersey.”
The bill passed the Senate 30-9 and the Assembly 52-25-1. Considering that bipartisan support, Cryan and Quijano said they would consult with their legislative colleagues on a veto override, which would have to begin in the Senate.