Full Notification

Members of the Borough Council, neighbors and friends:

Again, I hope that this finds you and your families well, as we continue to move through this viral pandemic and positively begin to see signs of the number of cases beginning to reduce and the discussion of the smart reopening of our businesses and restoration of our way of life.

As has been the case over the last few months, I and our Borough Council and Chief of Police have been and will continue to post the latest updates and relevant information on our website and through Nixle. As of tonight, the Federal requirements to shelter-in-place remain in effect, however, I am aware our President will be speaking this evening and there may be some changes. However, discussions on how to reopen segments of our society are underway and it appears that this process may begin as soon as June.

At the State level, this morning Governor Phil Murphy continued to stress the “go slow” policy and at this moment, all schools will remain closed until May 15, 2020. After speaking with several superintendents throughout the State, there is no new information as to when schools may reopen or if they will at all this semester.

As you may know, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that public schools will not reopen at all this semester; however, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo states, correctly that the Mayor does not have the authority to close public schools and is reviewing that issue. How Governor Murphy will respond to this is unclear at this time.

The reopening of certain parks in Jersey City and other areas of the State are presently under consideration. Stores that are essential businesses remain open and as of this week, the following businesses have been added to the list:

· Mobile phone retail and repair shops

· Bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair

· Livestock feed stores

· Nurseries and garden centers

· Farming equipment stores

· Auto dealerships

· Realtors will be able to do 1-on-1 showings but no open houses

· Firearms retailers will be allowed to reopen

In response to many small businesses that need to reopen or face severe financial setback or bankruptcy, I have written correspondence to Trenton and the County to do so in a manner that respects social distancing and may allow mom and pop businesses to resume serving our communities.

In Far Hills, Municipal Court did not take place this week due to a directive from Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. Future court proceedings will be determined by our Municipal Judge Mark Adler, in conjunction with guidance from the Somerset County Vicinage and Court Administration.