Maplewood Offers Help As Murphy Halts Indoor Dining After 10 p.m.

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood officials sent around guidance for restaurant this week after New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced new rules for indoor dining amid a statewide rise in coronavirus.

The rules in the new Executive Order 194 say that starting Thursday:

• Restaurants in New Jersey cannot offer indoor dining after 10 p.m. However, they can continue to serve outdoors until their regular closing time (in Hoboken, that's presently midnight on weekends and 11 p.m. other nights). Takeout and delivery can also continue after 10 p.m.
• People can no longer be seated at a bar, in order to maintain social distancing.
• Outdoor tables can be placed closer than 6 feet — but only if there are plexiglass barriers separating tables

On Monday, Murphy released new statistics and said that some establishments have become "sloppy" with the rules.

The town of Maplewood sent out an email message Thursday saying, "We understand these are difficult times. The Township of Maplewood and its staff are here to assist residents and business owners in navigating our changing environment and ensuring that all of our businesses have the support they need to continue thriving during this time."

They listed these resources and "information that business owners can leverage to continue their operations safely during the pandemic:"

Sidewalk Retail Permit - Sidewalk retail permits are still available, merchants are also permitted to use township owned parking lots for outdoor markets.
Outdoor Dining Application - Sidewalk dining within 100 feet of either direction is still available provided the consent of adjoining merchants has been secured.
Outdoor Heater Application
Outdoor Heating for Tents
COVID Attestation Form

Resources for Business Owners

Essex County Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program
This grant funding is designed to help small businesses and nonprofit agencies in Essex County that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic pay their rent. Essex County businesses and nonprofit agencies will be able to apply for as much as a $30,000 grant.
Applications will be available beginning Monday at the Essex County Office of Small Business Development website at www.ecsmallbiz.org. This grant will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.

A webinar to explain the application process will be presented this Friday at 10 a.m. Registration for the webinar is required. To register, visit bit.ly/EssexCounty_Grants

Other state and local resources

State COVID Business Portal
Maplewood Township Business Portal
Township Resources and Contact Information:
Maplewood Police Department - 973-762-3400
Maplewood Fire Department - 973-762-6500
Maplewood Department Of Community Development Permit Applications - 973-762-8120 Ext. 3700
Maplewood Township Clerk Permit Applications - 973-762-8120 Ext. 2101

Inquiries or questions related to Code Enforcement, Community Development at 973-762-8120 Ext. 3400 or via email to adepalma@twp.maplewood.nj.us

Health Officer, 973-762-8120 Ext. 4400 or via email cdavenport@twp.maplewood.nj.us
Questions or Inquiries on obtaining temporary permits related to outdoor dining, town clerk: 973-762-8120 Ext. 2100 or via email to liz@twp.maplewood.nj.us

Regarding outdoor heaters

The Fire Department is working to accommodate restaurants in Maplewood to allow for the safe operation of outdoor heaters where permitted. With safety in mind, please follow these guidelines:

• All heating appliances (electrical or gas fired) shall be approved by the Fire Department.
• There shall not be any propane tank in or under a tent/awning/canopy/enclosed outdoor structure.
• Any electrical heating device shall be plugged directly into an outlet. If this is not possible, the use of approved extension cords may be granted by the Fire Department.
• Any heating device shall be kept a minimum of 36 inches away from combustible materials.
• All fire extinguishers in the business using an outdoor space shall be current with their testing (within a year) and easily accessible.

Examples of permitted heaters Include: digital ceramic tower heaters and portable radiant propane heaters.

Here are statewide coronavirus resources:

• NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
• General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
• NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222

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