Mayors Alliance Says NJ Small Business Support Falls Short

NEW JERSEY - An alliance of mayors that includes 19 mayors from four different counties says that the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program announced July 23 by Governor Phil Murphy doesn't do enough to help main streets across the garden state.

”At first blush, this looked like a promising and exciting program for the small business community in New Jersey,” said Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento. “While it still is for the municipalities that were fortunate enough to be included, it leaves the businesses in my
town, and the vast majority of all New Jersey towns, on the outside looking in.

The program, funded through the CARES Act and managed by the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) qualifies businesses in only 64 out of 565 municipalities to apply for grants up to $10,000.00 for lease costs.

“Every individual, family, business and government has skin in the game here,” said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. In order to get all of New Jersey’s economy up and running again, we should be investing more equitably into all 565 municipalities.”

The Mayors for Main Street are asking the Governor and Legislature to create additional
programs for the rest of the 501 municipalities who will not see any additional aid for their
small businesses through this program.

“This is just another instance of bureaucrats in Trenton picking the winners and losers in this economic recovery,” said Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello. “This
pandemic does not recognize municipal boundaries. Every small business in the state is
struggling.”

Mendham Township Mayor Sarah Neibart asked that "Independent and Democratic colleagues across the State of New Jersey" join the ranks of Mayors advocating for their Main Streets during COVID-19 and beyond.

“Now more than ever, bi-partisan efforts are needed for each of our towns and small businesses,” she said.

The alliance launched in May initially began with five Somerset County Mayors including Moench, Bernards Mayor James Baldassare, Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose, and Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone.

It has since swelled to have 19 mayors from four different counties.

This alliance consists of the following New Jersey Mayors:

• Mayor Marcia Asdal, Chester Township, Morris County
• Mayor James Baldassare, Bernards Township, Somerset County
• Mayor Zachery Bray, Raritan Borough, Somerset County
• Mayor Mary Jane Canose, Borough of Bernardsville, Somerset County
• Mayor Jason Cilento, Dunellen Borough, Middlesex County
• Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, Mendham Borough, Morris County
• Mayor Jeff Herb, White Township, Warren County
• Mayor Janet Hoven, Chester Borough, Morris County
• Mayor Larry Jacobs, Township of Bedminster, Somerset County
• Mayor Jim Mengucci, Lopatcong Township, Warren County
• Mayor Matthew Moench, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County
• Mayor Michael "Mick" Marion, Warren Township, Somerset County
• Mayor Matthew Murello, Washington Township, Morris County
• Mayor Sarah Neibart, Mendham Township, Morris County
• Mayor Richard Onderko, Manville Borough, Somerset County
• Mayor Todd Tersigni, Phillipsburg, Warren County
• Mayor Brian Tipton, Harmony Township, Warren County
• Mayor Doug Tomson, Hillsborough Township, Somerset County
• Mayor Paul Vallone, Far Hills Borough, Somerset County

The post contains reporting by Alexis Tarrazi.

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