Meet Borough Council Candidate Toby Rossmann in New Providence, NJ

Toby Rossmann, a Democratic candidate for New Providence Borough Council in the November 3, 2026 election, has proposed three steps to support small businesses and economic development. He shared them in New Providence's weekly candidate question series. Union County Life is covering the series so New Providence voters can compare the candidates.

Rossmann is director and faculty advisor of the Dyer Center for Innovation + Entrepreneurship at Lafayette College, where he has coached hundreds of young entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders on business models, funding, and finding mentors and small business loans. "I know how difficult it can be to start a small business," he said.

His first proposal is a volunteer Economic Development Advisory Committee. It would bring together residents, local officials, business owners, and would be entrepreneurs, and it would host roundtables or town hall listening sessions like those held in Summit, Westfield, and Cranford. The committee would also work with the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment to share long range economic plans with residents. His second proposal is to explore temporary merchant licenses and pop up shops to fill empty storefronts downtown, with simpler permits for short term businesses.

His third proposal is a study of the Central and Murray Hill corridor, which has lost several commercial, light industrial, and professional service businesses. The study would look at how to bring those businesses back. It would also look at opportunities on the part of the Nokia Bell Labs property that sits in New Providence along Mountain Avenue. Rossmann said what the borough learns would strengthen its position in talks with developers, Berkeley Heights, and others about the site's future.

The New Providence Borough Council election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Stay informed about New Providence news and announcements on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Candidate

FAQ:

Q: Who is Toby Rossmann?
A: Toby Rossmann is a Democratic candidate for New Providence Borough Council. He is director and faculty advisor of the Dyer Center for Innovation + Entrepreneurship at Lafayette College.

Q: What is Rossmann's main proposal for New Providence businesses?
A: Rossmann proposes a volunteer Economic Development Advisory Committee that would host roundtables or town hall listening sessions, like those held in Summit, Westfield, and Cranford.

Q: What does Rossmann propose for empty storefronts?
A: He wants to explore temporary merchant licenses and pop up shops downtown, with simpler permits for short term businesses.

Q: What does Rossmann say about the Central and Murray Hill corridor and Bell Labs?
A: He proposes a study on bringing businesses back to the corridor and on opportunities at the part of the Nokia Bell Labs property in New Providence along Mountain Avenue.

Q: When is the New Providence Borough Council election?
A: The election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Union County Life covers New Providence elections at unioncountylife.com.