Outdoor Dining, Retail Explained in Upper

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PETERSBURG – Ralph Cooper, of the Rotary Club of Ocean City-Upper Township, invited Upper Township Engineer Paul Dietrich June 12 to explain to the local business community how the state’s latest easing of COVID restrictions would allow retail and restaurants to expand how they serve patrons. Joining the call was Mayor Richard Palombo, along with a dozen restaurants and retailers.
Among the new green lights issued by the governor, restaurants are permitted to serve 25% of their pre-COVID capacity outside their premises. Retailers can also take advantage of the new provision, which began June 15, by setting up sidewalk displays and sales points.
Blanche Adams, president, Upper Township Business Association, thanked Dietrich for his support since businesses were ordered closed because of the virus, noting that he visited over 90% of the commercial establishments in the municipality to see what the administration could do to help.
Dietrich began his presentation by stressing, “We are focused on making a quick turnaround in any paperwork necessary for the phase, beginning June 15, that will permit outdoor retail sales and dining. We have a very brief one-page application to get your site plan approved for these outdoor activities. No professional expenses need to be incurred, such as engineering, and all we need is a sketch of what you have in mind.” 
Palombo noted that the municipality is waiving any fees that might have been associated with these new site plans, or, for example, setting up a tent, and that it will also cover any state-related fees that might be incurred.
“The township itself will not be closely monitoring this new phase; however, businesses should be aware that the state Department of Health will be making periodic checks and need to pay attention to the COVID safety checklist that is on their website (https://www.nj.gov/health/).
“For example, the necessary 6 feet distancing will not be table to table, but will be measured from chair to chair. The maximum for each table will be eight customers.
“Our main focus is that outdoor activities are safe, such as keeping a safe distance between outdoor activities and cars coming in for parking. We also want to advise restaurants to make sure that they do not allow any indoor dining until it is permitted, such as in Asbury Park,” said Dietrich.
Later that day, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the state was bringing legal action against Asbury Park City Council for passing a resolution contrary to state policy in this regard.
Dietrich added that all business establishments would need to do a daily temperature check for employees, but would not need to do similar testing for customers and patrons. 
“For set up of a tent, we are going to waive the structural code fee under our construction ordinances. Tents will need to meet flame-retardant standards for safety, and we want to make sure lighting is safe, so that will require an electrical permit,” Dietrich said. 
Palombo responded to an inquiry as to when larger gatherings would be phased in. “Hopefully, by July 3, we will see gatherings of 500 people outside permitted. Nevertheless, we’ve already decided to postpone our traditional July 4 fireworks until Sept. 12 and make it an event to celebrate the end of summer with special activities for the kids,” said Palombo.
A caller, identified as Chef Tyler, from the Tuckahoe Inn, in Beesley’s Point, asked about the possibility of entertainment, such as a band. “That probably is OK, but definitely there would be social distancing of 6 feet needed between band members, unless they’re family, and greater distance with the audience,” said Dietrich.
 “Also, since singing has been associated with more virus droplets being emitted, it would be a good idea to set up a plexiglass shield between the band and the audience,” he added. 
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.