Congressman Donald Payne Jr. addresses Glen Ridge Council as pandemic outdoor-dining rules take shape
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U.S. Congressman Donald Payne Jr. joined the June 8 council meeting to thank Mayor Patrick for the invitation and to highlight federal resources available to residents affected by COVID-19, while also urging residents to complete their 2020 census forms to help secure future funding for the Borough. The Council also heard a letter from Norfolk Southern regarding its proposal to abandon the Old Boonton rail line between Montclair and Jersey City, with the corridor to be conveyed to the Open Space Institute of New York, in partnership with Essex and Hudson Counties, for conversion into a bicycle and pedestrian greenway; the line has carried no freight since 1999 and no passengers since 2002.
Looking ahead to the following week's business, the Council adopted Resolution 92-20 authorizing estimated third-quarter property tax bills for 2020 — a step recommended statewide because of pandemic-related delays in certifying tax rates — setting an estimated tax levy of $54,277,527.09 at a rate of $3.187. Separately, Resolution 93-20 temporarily eased zoning and site-plan rules to let restaurants and food establishments in the Borough's C1 and B zoning districts expand outdoor dining onto sidewalks, private property and parking lots between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., starting June 15, 2020, contingent on a state executive order and compliance with CDC/state health guidance.
Mayor Patrick also presented a proclamation marking National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and Councilor Mans thanked the Mayor, administration and police for their quick response to a recent public request for a peaceful gathering in town. Councilor Lisovicz reported that a statement opposing discrimination had been posted to the Borough website, and a police lieutenant, reporting on the Chief's behalf, noted an uptick in car burglaries and urged residents to lock their vehicles and homes.
What to watch
- Outdoor dining expansion takes effect June 15, 2020 pending the Governor's authorizing executive order
- Estimated third-quarter tax bills to go out under the newly set $3.187 rate