In anticipation of the Governor’s lifting of Coronavirus restrictions on restaurants this week, the Bradley Beach Borough Council voted unanimously to support the expanded use of outdoor cafes for restaurants in the borough.
Since the existence of some restaurants is at stake, and the livelihoods of restaurant employees at stake as well, the council took the unusual measure of passing a resolution that will create more space for social distancing.
For the duration of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Council Resolution will allow the use of outdoor space(s), including back yards, side yards, parking lots, patios — and perhaps the closing of some sections of adjacent streets — for expanded dining.
Effective immediately, to align with the potential reopening of businesses, Bradley Beach restaurants can apply for a “Temporary Outdoor Restaurant Operations Permit.” During this period of reopening businesses, all fees for these permits will be waived. Council President John Weber, who proposed this resolution emphasized: “Our Main Street businesses need the borough’s support, both from our council and from our residents. We are in this together.”
The Bradley Beach Business Community Alliance is partnering with the town in support of small businesses and thanked the town for this resolution. Board President Paula Gavin said called it a major step.
“This positive action by our Council provides a major first step as we launch our ‘Shop Bradley Beach campaign’, which will gain momentum as businesses return to normalcy and our residents continue their support of our community,” she said. “We are stronger together!“
