North Jersey Mayors Want More Direct Control To Assist Businesses

NORTH JERSEY - Several members of "Mayors for Main Street,” a group of 19 elected officials who were pressuring Gov. Phil Murphy to reopen nonessential business back in May, are asking that local officials more control through action on pending legislation.

“Our small restaurants have been preparing for weeks, hiring back staff, ordering additional food and modifying their dining areas only to have the Governor cancel their reopening because of a few places not following the rules," said Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello.

Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench said that the state needs to to start trusting small businesses to act in a responsible and safe way and Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento said that this ia again a one size fits all approach.

In Warren County, White Township Mayor Jeff Herb noted that restaurants have been following the rules,

"We shouldn’t be penalized for what’s been happening in the city’s and beaches," he said.

Several Mayors are also calling on the Governor and Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 4190/Senate Bill S2522, which would help give local officials more control to help their struggling businesses and define a clearer regulatory scheme. The bill is currently pending the Assembly after being passed 39-0 in the Senate.

“I support this bipartisan legislation,” said Mendham Township Mayor Sarah Neibart. “As public officials we need to offer creative solutions and do whatever we can so that our restaurants, bars, breweries, etc. are able to conduct business in a safe and responsible way. Over the last few months, the state has started to remove some regulations that are barriers to our businesses. We need to be reasonable and consistent - there is more red tape to cut and we need to cut it."

A-4190 would allow municipalities to establish a street fair model for local businesses to sell goods, food, and drinks while maintaining proper social distancing and health guidelines. Municipalities would be permitted to designate certain days each week, from Thursday to Sunday, during which municipal and county roads in business districts could be closed to vehicular traffic and allow for sidewalk and street retail sales, dining, and alcohol consumption.

“I encourage Speaker Coughlin to take this bill up in the Assembly to get it to the Governor’s desk,” said Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose. “The legislature needs to continue to move bills that give municipalities more flexibility. Every town in this state is different and local officials need the tools to implement these changes in the way that best suits their towns.”

Further, the bill would require the Director of the Division of ABC to extend plenary retail consumption licenses to allow sales in outdoor spaces, with established customer seating requirements. Additionally, towns would have alternative traffic options that will allow for larger vehicles to use other routes and would ensure pedestrian safety.

Founded in May of 2020, Mayors for “Main Street” is an alliance of Mayors representing towns spanning several New Jersey Counties. The group mission is to advocate for the swift and safe reopening of businesses within their communities. Businesses that have been drastically and negativity impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also serves as a platform for local elected officials to share experiences, ideas and best practices.

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