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Hanover Relaxes Outdoor Dining Regulations

By
Frank Cahill
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IHOP Cedar Knolls is open for outside dining. IHOP is located at 102 E Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — During the June 11, 2020, regular public meeting of the Township Committee, the governing body took significant steps to help the municipality’s restaurants, bars, taverns, and eateries expand their present curbside pickup and takeout delivery service to allow outdoor dining.

IHOP Cedar Knolls is open for outside dining. IHOP is located at 102 E Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls

As of Monday, June 15, these businesses can apply for a Township permit to operate a temporary outdoor dining facility until November 30, 2020.  This decision by the governing body is consistent with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 150 and June 3, 2020, Special Ruling of the Acting Director of the Division of ABC establishing temporary COVID-19 permits to expand licensed premises.

Il Capriccio, 633 State Route 10, Whippany, is open for Outside Dining

In addition to complying with the municipality’s modified outdoor dining requirements, these establishments will have to follow all related health and safety protocols issued by the New Jersey Department of Health. These include a limit of eight customers per table, a minimum of six feet distance between dining parties, and prohibition of smoking in any outdoor areas designated for consuming food or beverages. In cases where the restaurant serves alcohol, the facility will also need to obtain an Expansion of Premises Permit from the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverages.

“The Township Committee is committed to doing whatever we possibly can at this time to help our restaurants and related eating facilities get back on their feet,” noted Deputy Mayor John L. Ferramosca, who spearheaded the initiative by working with the departments of Administration, Building, Health, and Planning to streamline the process.  He added, “there’s no fee to apply for the Township permit, and the application is on our website for easy, on-line filing.”

Hard copies are also available from the Building Department. Ferramosca went on to say that Township officials will make every effort to fast track permit approval, in line with the governing body’s intent to strongly support outdoor dining as businesses scramble to recover from the economic hardships imposed by COVID-19. He also pointed out that the community will benefit as well, with the opportunity for residents and Morris County neighbors who have endured months of isolation at home to return to their favorite Hanover Township restaurants and bars to enjoy an outdoor meal or drink with the comfort and knowledge that health and safety precautions will be in place to protect patrons.

Business owners who would like to apply can visit the Township’s website by clicking here.   A full copy of the outdoor dining resolution, the on-line permit application, and a link to the State’s “Expansion of Premises Permit from the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverages” (for those businesses serving alcohol) can be found at this location.

The Building Department will coordinate the review and approval of all applications submitted for the Township’s permit. For questions on how to apply or to request hard copies of the application, please call the Building Department at (973) 428-2462.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, with the cooperation of Morris Focus, has published a free WHAT’S OPEN for businesses to promote their business during these times. Many area restaurants list their hours, delivery services, and whether they have outdoor dining.  To view WHAT’S OPEN, click here.

If you are a local business, click here to list your business.

H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar, 41 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls
H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar, 41 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls
H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar, 41 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls

Boonton Township Drive-In Movie Night Was Very Successful

By
Frank Cahill
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0

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Boonton Township Recreation partnered with Boxcar to provide the first Drive-in Movie night at the RVA Fields on Monday, June 15.

The feature presentation was Ferris Bueller’s Day off which played to a sold-out crowd.  Due to the popularity of the event, there will be another movie night in the near future.

Residents and others interested in future events can sign-up by clicking here.

Photo Courtesy Craig Collins Photography

Boonton Township is pleased to be working with Boxcar to provide a unique family event and a complete drive-in movie experience with car-side delivery from local eateries.  The RVA Fields is an ideal location to host a drive-in movie due to its open expanse and large flat fields.

Boonton Man Charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

BOONTON – Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Chief David Mayhood of the Town of Boonton Police Department announce the arrest of Andrew Jennings, 52, of Boonton.

It is alleged that between November 2019 and January 2020, Jennings provided alcohol and marijuana to a child. While the child was under the influence, Jennings engaged in sexual conversations with the purpose to seduce the child, and on at least one occasion, Jennings is alleged to have touched the intimate parts of the child.

Jennings has been charged with two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A 2C:24-4a (1), crimes of the second degree, and two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3b, crimes of the fourth degree.

Anyone with information relating to these incidents or any related incident is asked to call Detective Mary Falzarano of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6230 or Sgt. Christian Trowbridge of the Town of Boonton Police Department at (973) 402-9371.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the Town of Boonton Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Section, whose efforts contributed to the investigation and charges filed in this matter.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Boonton Station Opens For Outdoor Patio Dining

By
Frank Cahill
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0

BOONTON — On June 3, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 150 which permits restaurants, bars, and other food or beverage establishments to provide in-person service at designated outdoor areas (“Outdoor Dining Area”) for food and/or beverage consumption (“Outdoor Dining”) subject to certain conditions effective Monday, June 15. (Click here to download Executive Order 150).

Indoor dining has yet to be allowed, as the disease spreads more easily in confined spaces, according to Murphy. A week before the announcement, The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association started the #OpenOutsideDining campaign, asking people to tweet, email, call and Instagram message Murphy and urge him to lift the ban on outdoor dining so restaurants could begin serving again.

Limit seating to a maximum of eight customers per table and arrange seating to achieve a minimum distance of 6 feet between parties. It is highly suggested to call the restaurant and make a reservation.

“At Boonton Station 1904, it is our mission to provide the safest and most socially responsible food service possible, with the same care and attention to detail you have always known us for,” said Ro Caruso, General Manager.

By Reservation only at this time. Call to Reserve or Place an Order (973) 917-4500. Takeout Still Available.

Boonton Station is serving lunch from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. and dinner seven Nights a week.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, with the cooperation of Morris Focus, has published a free WHAT’S OPEN for businesses to promote their business during these times. Many area restaurants list their hours, delivery services, and whether they have outdoor dining.  To view WHAT’S OPEN, click here.

If you are a local business, click here to list your business.

Bill Limiting Restaurant Delivery Fees Advances in Assembly

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — The Assembly Labor Committee advanced legislation Monday sponsored by Assemblywomen Serena DiMaso and Aura Dunn capping the fees charged by delivery services like Grubhub and Uber Eats during the public health crisis.

“It’s a margin killer for many of our Main Street businesses,” said DiMaso (R-Monmouth). “They’re keeping 32 percent of the order payment in a restaurant business where margins are maybe 15 or 20 percent.”

The sponsors worked with N.J. Restaurant and Hospitality Association and leading food delivery apps Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Fees would be capped at 20 percent of the order under the bill (A3978); or 10 percent if a third-party is not actually making the delivery, and it’s instead done by a restaurant worker or independent contractor.

The caps would remain effective during any state of emergency longer than seven days and would supersede any local caps already in place.

“Third-party services are no longer fringe experiments, but rather a mainstream piece of the restaurant business,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “For all their hard work to keep afloat, this cap helps those restaurants stay in business.”

Department of Health Issues Guidance for Outdoor Organized Sports

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Department of Health issued guidance on COVID-19 health and safety protocols for outdoor organized sports activities which are set to resume as of June 22.

The guidance permits practices and competitions for low-risk sports (golf, tennis) that do not involve contact, and modified no-contact practices for medium-risk (soccer, baseball, softball) and high-risk (football) sports. Traditional practices and competitions for medium-risk sports are expected to be allowed as of July 6, and on July 20 for high-risk sports.  As of now, only outdoor activities will be permitted.

“Sports provide an opportunity for healthy exercise and skill-building,” said state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This guidance will enable these activities to resume while protecting the players, coaches, and staff – and the larger community – from the spread of COVID-19.”

Under the guidance, (Click here for guidelines) outdoor athletic facilities are permitted to open and be available for organized youth and adult sports activities. Municipalities retain the discretion to open or close municipal fields or facilities for these activities.

Each sports program is required to develop a preparation plan that includes social distancing, staggered schedules, screening, equipment cleaning/sanitation, and face-covering protocols, among other measures. Programs should consider consistent groups of the same staff, volunteers, and athletes, and avoid mixing between groups. Athletes are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and equipment to practices, and equipment sharing should be limited.

Practices and games must follow outdoor gathering limits including athletes, staff, and any visitors or spectators.

Staff and parents/guardians/visitors are required to wear cloth face coverings at practices and games.  Athletes are encouraged to wear masks during downtime, but not during physical activity. Nonessential visitors, spectators, staff, volunteers, vendors, members of the media, and activities involving external groups or organizations should be limited as much as possible.

The guidance does not apply to professional sports activities or US national team activities. High school sporting activities under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) must abide by NJSIAA protocols, which shall consider state Health Department guidance, and per Executive Order No. 149, may not resume before June 30.

Youth sports summer camps, which are permitted to open July 6, must follow camp standards in addition to the guidance of the organized sports. (Click here for more information)

COVID-19: Morris County Library To Start Curbside Service

By
Frank Cahill
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The Morris County Library is located at 30 East Hanover Avenue in the Whippany section of Hanover Township

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Library will begin curbside service for books, music, and other library materials over the next two weeks, as permitted by the state’s announced relaxation of COVID-19 rules for all libraries in New Jersey.

Drop-off services will resume via the library book drops starting on Monday, June 15. Pickups of new materials will begin on Tuesday, June 23.

Patrons will not be allowed to enter the county library, as the state is allowing only pick-up/drop-off services at this time via contactless delivery at the library curbside.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to at least partially reopen our county library, which serves thousands of Morris County residents, and is such a vital resource for students and seniors and children,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

“We ask you to take advantage of this great resource once our staff has the curbside program ready to operate. And we look forward to a time in the not-too-distant future when we all can come back inside the library,” added Freeholder Stephen Shaw.

County Library Director Darren O’Neill explained that his staff will follow safety and health protocols at all times while handling materials that may pose a risk of COVID-19 exposure. The library only will allow a return of materials via book drops, with returned items moved to a designated area for quarantine of at least 72 hours.

More details will come soon on when patrons can place holds on library material for curbside pick-up.

All Morris County Library materials that are currently checked out by patrons will have late return fees waived at this time.  Patrons are asked to return them starting on June 15.

The Morris County Library is located in Hanover Township (for GPS) at 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany, directly across the street from the Morris County Park Commission’s Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

Due to COVID-19 the county library has canceled all scheduled in-library programming and use of conference and public meeting rooms until further notice. Patrons are encouraged to visit the library on Facebook and Instagram for updates and information on virtual programming and online learning opportunities.

If you have any questions, use the feedback form by clicking here.

Murphy and Callahan Announce Curbside Pickup at Libraries and Clarifications Regarding Certain Business Activities

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Michael Mancuso, NJ.com)

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order which permits libraries to allow curbside pickup, beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15. The order also clarifies rules affecting a number of different businesses.

“Libraries are an important resource in normal times, but are even more critical now as many New Jerseyans utilize the numerous and often free resources that they have to offer,” said Governor Murphy. “Reopening our libraries for curbside pickup will ensure that families in our state can continue to have access to literature, arts, and so much more than these institutions provide.”

  • Libraries are permitted to offer curbside pickup and can reopen their outdoor spaces to the public, but patrons shall not be permitted to enter the brick-and-mortar premises;
  • Restaurants and indoor recreational and entertainment businesses are permitted to allow individuals to tour their facilities for event-planning purposes, but such individuals must wear face coverings at all times and the facility may not provide food or drink tastings or samplings;
  • Students, who may be accompanied by parents or guardians, may enter school premises to retrieve personal belongings from lockers, classrooms, or other areas;
  • Open houses to view real estate are permitted, provided they comply with the restrictions on indoor gatherings, including the requirement that attendees wear face coverings;
  • Bicycle shops, boat dealerships, car and used car dealerships, farming equipment stores, federal firearms licensees, livestock feed stores, mobile phone retail and repair shops, motorcycle dealerships, and nurseries and garden centers can operate according to the requirements placed on essential retail businesses;
  • All car washes can operate according to the requirements placed on essential retail businesses;
  • Yard and garage sales are permitted subject to the requirements on indoor gatherings, but municipalities shall have the discretion to impose additional restrictions on these sales;
  • Special events, including fireworks displays, at public and private beaches, boardwalks, lakes, and lakeshores are permitted, subject to the restrictions on outdoor gatherings;
  • Shared space tutoring service facilities remain closed to students and clients.

The Order will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15.

Boonton Fire Department Car Wash Fundraiser

By
Frank Cahill
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0

BOONTON – The Boonton Fire Department will be having it’s Annual Car Wash Fundraiser on July 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please come out and make a donation towards the Boonton Fire Department.

The fundraiser will be held at pin Wash Hounds, 375 Myrtle Avenue.

Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Personal Care Service Facilities to Open

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Depasquale Spa stylist station - Clear plexiglass between stations. Every other station will be used

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 154, allowing personal care service facilities to reopen to the public on Monday, June 22 at 6:00 a.m., provided the facilities comply with standards issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs and Department of Health.

“We’re able to confidently announce this important step in our restart and recovery because the health metrics tell us we can,” said Governor Murphy. “With the proper health and safety protocols in place, personal care business owners who are anxious get back to serving their customers and communities will have the opportunity to do so.”
Under the Governor’s Executive Order, personal care service facilities include:

1.     Cosmetology shops;
2.     Barbershops;
3.     Beauty salons;
4.     Hair braiding shops;
5.     Nail salons;
6.     Electrology facilities;
7.     Spas, including day spas and medical spas, at which solely elective and cosmetic medical procedures are performed;
8.     Massage parlors;
9.     Tanning salons; and
10.  Tattoo parlors.

The Division of Consumer Affairs issued an Administrative Order that includes comprehensive health and safety standards that personal care services who are licensees of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling and the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy must abide by. Safeguards include:

1.     Limiting services to appointment-only;
2.     Performing health screening, including temperature checks, on clients and staff prior to entry to the facility;
3.     Requiring the use of personal protective equipment, and requiring clients to wear face coverings at all times, regardless of the service they are receiving, unless face down on a massage table or where doing so would inhibit an individual’s health;
4.     Ensuring that all staff-client pairs maintain at least six feet distance between other staff-client pairs, unless separated by physical barriers;
5.     Adopting enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices; and
6.     Staying informed about new developments and guidance related to COVID-19.

The Order further directs the Commissioner of the DOH to issue health and safety standards for use by tattoo parlors, tanning salons and other locations in which personal care services are offered by individuals who are not acting within the scope of a license issued by a professional board within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Nothing in the Order shall prevent the provision of services to a person that is confined to their home and unable to travel due to a disability, if these services 1) are permitted under existing statutes and regulations and 2) are provided in a manner that substantially complies with standards issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs and DOH.DOH issued an Executive Directive today that includes comprehensive health and safety standards for these locations.

Cosmetology schools or other places that provide instruction and training for personal care services shall remain closed at this time.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 154, please click here.
For a copy of the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Administrative Order, please click here.
For a copy of the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, please click here.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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