CREST HAVEN – Freeholders unanimously passed a resolution May 5 that requested Gov. Phil Murphy to “relax or modify provisions” of his executive orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The relaxation of those orders would allow the “county to implement the proposal for the safe, thoughtful, and progressive reopening of the county.”
If the governor approves, the action would amend the county’s Resolution 250-20, which prohibited lodging transient guests or seasonal tenants in the county. Additionally, the action would allow rentals for a duration of greater than 30 days, effective May 11, at 12:01 a.m.
Also, rentals for a duration of less than 30 days would be permitted, effective 12:01 a.m. June 1. Hotels and motels may operate at a capacity of 60% of full capacity, effective 12:01 a.m. June 1. Hotels and motels may operate at full capacity, effective 12:01 a.m. June 22.
Vice Director Leonard Desiderio and Freeholder Will Morey, who are members of the Business Recovery Task Force, worked with various segments of the business community to restart the county’s economic engine in time for the summer tourist season. Desiderio offered the resolution, which was seconded by Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton told members at the Zoom teleconference that he received calls from other media outlets about the resolution, which was only discussed earlier with mayors.
Thornton added that he toured the county May 2 after the governor permitted golf courses and county parks to reopen. He added that he was “happy with what I saw.” He noted that Cape May was crowded.
“Hopefully, we are on the right track to get this county open,” Thornton added.
