Mayor Baraka Meets with Ironbound Businesses on Reopening Plans

Underscoring that public health is the most important thing as Newark begins to reopen from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Mayor Ras J. Baraka met personally with business owners from the Ironbound District and the East Ward, all wearing masks and practicing social distancing, to discuss details of reopening phases and the importance of completing and filing required reopening applications.

The application, plus helpful guidelines, can be found on the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID) website at www.goironbound.com/newark-business-reopening-information-applications/.

Mayor Baraka was introduced by East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador, who led business owners through a presentation highlighting the different phases of the reopening schedule and how different business sectors would be impacted.

The Mayor commended the Ironbound community for following health guidelines that have helped the city begin the reopening process and spoke from the heart regarding his concern for all Newark residents, including his own family. He also noted his concern about opening up businesses and restaurants without following appropriate clean and safe protocols.

To ensure that businesses throughout the city are all following the same guidelines, non-essential businesses that will begin reopening on June 15th must complete an application and file it with the City of Newark that details their clean and safe plans. All businesses, including those deemed essential that have continued operations throughout the pandemic, are required to have clean and safe plans as well. City inspectors will visit each business once their applications have been filed and will assign a safety level – green for best, yellow for average and red for least safe – that will be displayed via window signs.

During an extensive question and answer session, the Mayor shared information regarding timelines for reopening different types of businesses, tips for getting the highest (green) rating (test all employees, require masks for employees and customers, hand sanitizer available, plastic dividers, etc.) as well as help for individuals and businesses impacted by the pandemic (www.newarkcovid19.com) and a phone number to check on reopening application status (973-733-6575).

Echoing sentiments of gratitude expressed by meeting participants for the Mayor’s leadership throughout the pandemic and the recent protests for racial equality, IBID Executive Director Seth A. Grossman said the Ironbound business community was appreciative of the information and anxious to reopen in a way that emphasizes that the Ironbound and Newark are prepared to do everything necessary to ensure a clean, safe and welcoming environment for city residents and visitors alike.

Grossman personally visited with business owners on Wilson Avenue to underscore that help is available with reopening applications. People can visit or contact Councilman Amador’s office at Little City Hall (113 Monroe Street, 973-733-5309), Tuesdays through Fridays, for assistance.

“The Ironbound’s business community has faced tough times, and will face challenges as we negotiate the requirements necessary to keep our customers, our residents and our employees healthy and safe,” concluded Manny Lopes, IBID President and the owners of Lopes & Sons Hardware on Ferry Street. “With the leadership of Mayor Baraka, Councilman Amador and the Newark Municipal Council, and the support of organizations like Invest Newark leading the way, the IBID will continue to contribute to reopening efforts in the spirit of cooperation and partnership that our city needs at this time.”