Moorestown Explores Options For Outdoor Dining Return

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown is considering its options outdoor dining amid the coronavirus outbreak now that Gov. Phil Murphy said that restaurants and bars can resume operations at 6 a.m. on June 15.

Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) Chairperson Kate Wilson presented five options for council to consider during Monday night’s meeting. They included:

• Closing Main Street to vehicular traffic, something Police Chief Lee Lieber called the “least viable option,” according to Wilson;
• The use of moving islands that can slide into two parking spaces, expanding sidewalk space up to 8 feet;
• Using the Community House lawn for seating, although it will likely use the space for its own food services;
• Eliminating parking in front of restaurants, although traffic would still remain a factor; and
• Allowing restaurants to negotiate with neighboring businesses to use some of their parking area for tables when possible.

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Councilman Mike Locatell said the township should recognize that some restaurants are doing well with takeout, and each one will have its own needs. He was also concerned about the dangers traffic may present to outside dining.

“Someone could come speeding down the street not paying attention, and it could be disastrous,” Locatell said.

Councilwoman Lisa Petriello said cleanliness must be a top priority to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. Wilson said there would be wait staff that would help control cleanliness.

The state has set forth the following guidelines all restaurants must follow:

• tables are going to have to be six feet apart
• buffet and salad bars will be gone
• takeout only will be offered if the weather gets bad
• employees at the bars and restaurants will have to wear masks

Anyone who wants to go inside will have to wear a face covering, and can only be there for a very short period of time. And instead of waiting for a table at the door, residents may have to wait in their car. Read more here: Here’s What To Do At NJ Bars, Restaurants Under Coronavirus Rules

Locally, there was also some question of how long changes should last once they are put in place. Hoboken officials used a sunset provision through the end of the year, which Township Solicitor Kevin Aberant suggested might work in Moorestown.

“I think a 30-day renewable license would be better,” Locatell said. “What if this thing lasts into the new year?”

Wilson suggested a 60-day renewable license would be a good compromise between the two.

Any changes would have to be done through an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, and would have to go before the Planning Board because it wouldn’t comply with the township’s master plan.

With the return of outdoor dining less than a week away, both Township Council and the Planning Board will have to schedule special meetings to get legislation approved quickly, officials said.

“We’ll do what we can to help move this along,” Planning Board Member John Logue said during the meeting.