'We Demand Action': NJ Mayors Call For Reopening Indoor Malls

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench, along with four other New Jersey mayors who have large indoor malls, joined together to ask Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen malls as soon as possible.

"The ripple effect of the inaction to open has already been felt deeply and at some point any reopening will be too late. It is past time to start trusting our business community to operate safely. We demand action," said Moench.

Moench of Bridgewater, where the Bridgewater Commons is located, said he was "dismayed" to learn reopening indoor malls was not implemented in Murphy's phase 2 plan.

"The Bridgewater Commons Mall is the cornerstone of the commercial sector in this community and it employs hundreds of our residents and residents of surrounding municipalities," Moench said. "In addition to the enormous local impact, Bridgewater Township will be unable to collect revenue associated with our profit sharing with the Bridgewater Commons, this resulting in higher property taxes and more financial burdens on our residents."

Moench was joined by Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage and Paramus Mayor Rich LaBarbiera, Wayne Mayor Chris Vergano and Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac.

"Jersey Gardens provides millions of dollars in revenue to the city while providing for hundreds of jobs for our residents," according to Bollwage.

"Willowbrook Mall is the largest taxpayer in our community and having them closed for so long is hurting our economy severely," said Vergano.

Murphy said he's not ready to reopen malls, but he did say the stores can restart if they have an outdoor entrance and exit. Murphy also previously announced indoor in-person retail could resume operation on June 15. Read More: NJ Issues New Rules For Indoor Retail, Shopping Amid Coronavirus

According to McCormac, "Woodbridge Center Mall, one of New Jersey’s largest indoor malls, can provide for proper social distancing which will keep patrons and employees safe."

LaBarbiera, where Paramus Park, Bergen Town Center and New Jersey's largest mall, Westfield Garden State Plaza, are located, said, "We commend and appreciate the leadership of the administration during these most difficult times. We are encouraged by the ongoing steps to reopen businesses and hope that malls too can reopen on June 15."

Murphy on Tuesday lifted New Jersey's stay-at-home order and will allow for much bigger gatherings, paving the way for graduations, protests and indoor and outdoor church services to occur. Read More: Gov. Murphy Lifts NJ Stay-At-Home Order, Allows Bigger Gatherings

As of Tuesday Murphy said the number of coronavirus cases rose to 164,796, and 12,303 people have died in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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