Permanent Outdoor Dining To Get Closer Look In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic may be winding down, but it appears as though one thing that impacted businesses for the last year will be staying.

Moorestown Council is considering making outdoor dining a permanent part of life in the township.

“Some businesses put substantial resources into their outdoor service, and it’s working for them,” Councilman Jake Van Dyken said during Monday night’s meeting. “It would be wrong to curb their plans. I would be hesitant to change anything.”

In fact, Councilman Dave Zipin said he would like to see outdoor dining further expanded in the Lenola section of the township.

In July 2020, Moorestown Council passed legilsation that allows restaurants to expand their footprint to allow outdoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here: Moorestown Gives Final Approval To Outdoor Dining Plan

In December, it extended that legislation. Read more here: Outdoor Dining In Moorestown Extended Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In each instance, the legislation was necessary because restaurants weren’t allowed to have customers eat inside. Restrictions have been lifted, so council can take more time to examine the issue.

“I would love to go over that and take a closer look,” Deputy Mayor Sue Mammarella said. “Now we can take a closer and more thoughtful look at it, and how we can improve it.”

“We can review what works best and what doesn’t, and give businesses the opportunity to do what would be best for them,” Councilman Quinton Law said.

The discussion took place during the workshop portion of the meeting, and no official action was taken. Mayor Nicole Gillespie said the matter will be referred to the Economic Development Advisory Committee.