Business & Tech
Ridgewood Mayor 'Very Pleased' With Business Reopening
The reopening should be a boon for the local economy, according to Mayor Ramon M. Hache.
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The reopening of non-essential retail businesses in the Village of Ridgewood comes as good news to Mayor Ramon M. Hache.
"I am very pleased with the decision to allow nonessential businesses and construction to resume. Not only is it indicative of NJ’s progress in the fight against COVID-19, the decision brings much needed relief to our businesses," said Hache.
Per Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order, announced on Wednesday, May 13, non-essential retail like clothing and department stores can reopen, but only for online and phone ordering, as well as curbside pick up.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
No customers will be allowed back inside the stores, according to Murphy.
Non-essential construction will also be allowed to resume, as of 6 a.m. on Monday, May 18.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Though it's only a partial opening, Hache says that it will prove to be a "tremendous lifeline" for Ridgewood businesses.
He says most of the small, local retailers in the community rely on foot traffic into their stores and don't yet have online capabilities, meaning the partial reopening will deliver some of that patronage back to their businesses.
For the village's part, Hache says there could be reserved street parking to facilitate curbside pickup much like there has been for restaurant pickups.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joan Groome explains that, through social media posts, email blasts and website postings, the chamber has been working to promote these businesses.
The chamber will continue to do so, she said, including an upcoming post notifying residents of what businesses will be reopening.
"Until everyone knows exactly what they are allowed to do…we are working on a minute by minute plan and getting the info out asap," she wrote in a Thursday email.
The beginning on non-essential construction will also impact the Central Business District, according to Hache, as it means four multi-family construction projects can resume.
Hache hopes this project will, eventually, bring more customers to Downtown Ridgewood.
Read more: Ridgewood Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Online Sale Days
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