Today, Mayors for “Main Street” sent a letter to Governor Murphy requesting in increase in indoor dining capacity from the current 25% to 66% as colder months approach. The letter states, “…restaurants have made it to this point through their ingenuity and sheer force of will but we fear that, with cold weather approaching, many will lack the facilities to host a feasible outdoor dining arrangement.”

“Restaurant in our towns are closing left and right,” said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. “We need action now so restaurants can begin their planning process and their livelihood will not be left hanging in the balance.”

“Additionally, our governor needs to stop treating this state as one and turn to a regional approach,” said White Township Mayor Jeffery Herb. “Let the county by county data lead the way on reopening.”

“I believe we are at the point where the evidence shows we can follow successful indoor dining practices, follow good hygiene, and keep people safe,” said Scotch Plains Mayor Alexander Smith. “I know that Scotch Plains restaurants are faithfully following the States rules outlined in the Governor’s executive orders.”

The letter continues,” Over the past several months, we have seen a flattening of the curve across all of our municipalities and across the State. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, in your conversation with him last week, New Jersey is in good position to continue to reopen the economy over the Fall and Winter months. Restaurants, in the main, have acted in good faith and have shown us all that, if done correctly, the threat of increased spread of the virus can be mitigated…We urge you to consider this request and move with expediency to address these concerns before it is too late.”

Founded in May of 2020, Mayors for “Main Street” is an alliance of Mayors representing towns spanning several New Jersey Counties. The group mission is to advocate for the swift and safe reopening of businesses within their communities. Businesses that have been drastically and negativity impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also serves as a platform for local elected officials to share experiences, ideas and best practices. 

For more information on membership, please visit https://www.facebook.com/MayorsforMainStreet or contact MayorsforMainStreet@gmail.com