Basking Ridge Offers Relief To Businesses As Reopening Begins

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Committee approved a resolution on Tuesday making it easier for township restaurants to reopen now that Gov. Phil Murphy is allowing outdoor dining to resume on June 15 following the coronavirus closure.

Mayor James Baldassare Jr. said the passage of the resolution was "to further help our local businesses the best we can while certain aspects of the restrictions remain in place."

"While this is a great first step, we understand the implementation of these measures could prove somewhat challenging as we continue to tread into uncharted territory; however, I implore all of our businesses and residents to remain patient as things begin to open up and allow your Township Committee and staff to adjust to any hiccups that may occur in the beginning stages," Baldassare Jr. said.

The resolution makes it easier for businesses to apply for new activities such as:

1. Signage for businesses,
2. Curbside pick-up for food or merchandise,
3. Outdoor seating for dining,
4. Outdoor storage and sale of merchandise,
5. Street closings for certain activities,
6. Other services that can be performed outdoors.

"I'd ask all of our businesses and residents to remember that we are here to help in any way that we can, we want to work with all our businesses and to again please remain patient as we go forward," Baldassare Jr. said. "I also encourage all of our residents to shop local. Our local businesses and owners have been hit hard and coming back will be a task in and of itself. As residents, we have a stake in their ability to succeed and a responsibility to make our town a better place to live, so everyone please, let's get out and shop locally as soon as things open up."

New Jersey issued rules and guidance for outdoor dining amid the coronavirus outbreak now that Gov. Phil Murphy said that restaurants and bars can resume operations. Read More: Here's What To Do At NJ Bars, Restaurants Under Coronavirus Rules

Some of those rules include tables are going to have to be six feet apart, tables have to be outside, buffet and salad bars will be gone, only takeout will be offered if the weather gets bad, and employees at the bars and restaurants will have to wear masks.

To view the entire resolution, see below:

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