On New Year’s Day, the Township of Union held its annual reorganization meeting at Town Hall where newly reelected committeewoman Michele Delisfort was selected as the Township’s new mayor.
“I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to continue my service to you as Mayor of this great community,” Delisfort said to the audience after thanking her parents and family for their sacrifices.
As part of her speech to the hundreds of residents in attendance, she lauded her predecessor, Committeewoman Suzette Cavadas, for all of the accomplishments realized during her two years as Mayor, and highlighted some of the initiatives in store under her leadership for 2019.
Among them she reiterated her commitment to sound infrastructure and development, and eliminating eyesores and vacancies in the community.
“If we do not see positive movement with sites like the old Shoprite and the Money store, we are prepared to take aggressive actions to ensure outcomes similar to that of the Garden State Motel and Clinton Manor Properties,” Delisfort said.
She also announced the upcoming examination of the Township’s Master Plan, the implementation of a Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan that will include improvements to Weber and Friberger parks this year, and an initiative to promote further public engagement.
An announcement was also made regarding a complete reconstruction of Fairway Drive, and the establishment of a Citizen’s Parking Committee.
“With all of the investment and development in our Center, and the considerable requests we have received further expansion, we have heard the concerns of our residents about the future effects on parking in the area,” Delisfort said.
Her full address, as well as a recording of the entire reorganization meeting can be found at uniontownship.com or on the Township’s Facebook page @TwpUnionNJ.
Delisfort is the first black female mayor in the Township’s history, and the first Haitian female Mayor in the State.
She is a small business owner of an urban planning consultancy firm and has over 20 years of professional experience in land use planning, redevelopment planning, and community development. She is a licensed professional planner and nationally certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners. She also serves as Chairperson of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Redevelopment Planning Committee. Most recently, she was appointed as a member of the Ethics Committee for the National American Planning Association.
Prior to being elected as Committeewoman, Delisfort served on the Township of Union Planning Board, not only as an active member but as Vice Chairperson.
For additional information on Mayor Michele Delisfort, or any of the 2019 initiatives please contact the Office of Public Information at publicinfo@uniontownship.com.
(above) Union’s new Mayor, Michele Delisfort.
Photo by Township of Union
