Chatham Borough Redesigns Outdoor Area To Help Restaurants

CHATHAM BOROUGH, NJ — With weather getting warmer and COVID-19 playing a factor in the upcoming months, Chatham Borough officials got creative. Reasoner Park now has six picnic tables and decorative lights by the gazebo — designed to provide a pleasant environment for patrons getting takeout from local restaurants.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee developed the idea as a way to help restaurants and residents during the pandemic, according to Mayor Thaddeus J. Kobylarz.

"I am pleased that we were able to add this amenity," Kobylarz said. "I thank each volunteer member of the EDAC for their contributions over the past year during one of the most difficult periods the Borough has ever faced."

Before the coronavirus, the borough planned to hold concerts at the gazebo. Several local artists have already approached the town about lending their talents to lift people's spirits, according to Council President Carolyn Dempsey.

Despite economic difficulties associated with the pandemic, several new restaurants have opened in recent months on Chatham's Main Street. Newer eateries include Fleur De Sel, Asahda's Soul Food, Mexican Spice, Namkeen Hot Chicken, Scoop's Ice Cream and Sonny's Indian Kitchen.

"Main Street in Chatham is going through something of a renaissance
right now," Kobylarz said at a March council meeting. "Who would have thunk in this age of global pandemic?"

Read more: Chatham Main St. In A 'Renaissance' With New Restaurants: Mayor

New Jersey has limited restaurants to 50 percent indoor capacity in recent weeks. There are no numeric capacity limitations for outdoor dining.

Murphy announced he would ease restrictions May 10 for activities such as proms, weddings and outdoor capacity for large venues. He didn't increase indoor-dining capacity but said he may "in the near future." Read more: NJ Eases COVID Rules For Proms, Graduations, Other Activities

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