Montclair Town Hall, Police/Fire HQ Closed To Public: Coronavirus

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair officials are taking steps to protect municipal workers and citizens from the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, closing several township buildings as of 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The town's announcement comes as a fourth positive case of COVID-19, a 73-year-old woman, has been reported in Montclair, authorities said.

• Several People Hospitalized In Montclair With Coronavirus

CLOSURES IN MONTCLAIR

Montclair township officials issued the following advisory on Tuesday:

"In the interest of public safety with respect to COVID-19, based upon all relevant guidance, physical public access to all municipal offices including but not limited to the Municipal Building, Police Department Headquarters, Fire Department Headquarters, Fire Stations, Department of Community Services and Department of Utilities will be suspended effective at 4:30 p.m. today and until further notice."

Officials continued:

"At present, all offices are open and municipal staff will be available during business hours to communicate by phone or email with the public to conduct business. Residents, businesses, and property owners are encouraged to use all online options including online bill payment."

Montclair officials added:

"During this time, the Building Department will be accepting permit applications only for essential work (work that is necessary to maintain a structure’s critical services such as gas, electric, cooking and sanitary) and Building Department and Fire Department inspections will be suspended. Inspectors will work with state-licensed contractors to self-certify essential work performed and then will physically inspect at an appropriate time."

MONTCLAIR POLICE: HOW TO CONTACT

On Tuesday, the MPD announced it will be closing its lobby to the general public as the township continues to cope with the ongoing outbreak.

“In the event of an emergency, call 911,” police said. “For non-emergent calls, please call 973-744-1234.”

“If you are at the Montclair Police Department and need help, please speak to the personnel assigned to the window on the left inside the front vestibule of the entry doors located at 647 Bloomfield Avenue,” authorities said.

According to Montclair township officials:

“The Montclair Police Department will accept reports over the telephone for non-emergencies. Police personnel will screen your call and determine if it is appropriate to take the report over the phone or if police will respond to take the report personally. Police will continue to respond to all emergency calls and other calls where it is determined that a response is necessary.”

Effective immediately and until further notice, the Montclair Police Department’s Records and Identification Bureau will be closed to walk-in business, authorities said Tuesday.

For copies of police reports, people can call 973-509-4727 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or email mpdidrecords@montclairnjusa.org. Reports can be emailed or sent via regular mail. Reports will be available online at crashdocs.org for any accidents occurring on or after March 13, 2020.

All fingerprinting and non-essential records functions will not be available until further notice, Montclair police said.

“The public will be made aware of any other changes if needed,” Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti said. “Thank you for your understanding in this matter.”

COVID-19 AND MONTCLAIR

Catch up on some of our recent coronavirus coverage in Montclair (click headlines to read story).

• Montclair Coronavirus Update: State Of Emergency, Schools Close
• Montclair Businesses Brace For Impact As Coronavirus Hits NJ
• Montclair State Keeps Residence Halls Open: Coronavirus Update

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Montclair Facebook page.