Township Provides Comprehensive Recovery Plan for Local Businesses
In an effort to assist township businesses, Montclair Township Council will put in place several measures as part of a comprehensive COVID-19 recovery and business re-opening plan. The plan, developed by Council with input from local business leaders, follows guidance on community safety from the State, the CDC, and local officials.
“I know of no other New Jersey municipality that has offered grant funding to its businesses for recovery purposes,” said Mayor Robert Jackson. “It is hoped that the grants and other measures put in place will help our local businesses get back on their feet during the pandemic, while also helping them adopt best practices to keep their employees and customers, and our community safe.”
“Our local businesses have been working nonstop to make it through this crisis – relying on curbside pickup, takeout orders, and gift certificate sales” said Jason Gleason, Executive Director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID). “Now, with reopening, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Township to develop effective solutions to boost our business community, create opportunities for people to safely shop and dine, and preserve the vibrancy and energy of Montclair."
"Given the devastating impact of Covid-19, including the dire economic impact on our local economy, we are committed as a governing body to doing all we can to help Montclair businesses' recovery efforts," said Mayor-elect Sean M. Spiller. "Small businesses make up the heart of our thriving shopping districts. These unique local government grants, and additional steps we are taking will provide local business owners and their employees a much-needed measure of assistance during this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, he said."
Free first 15 minutes of parking at meters is effective immediately and the Township is already working on refunding businesses that paid the 2020 sidewalk café permit fee. Street closures for retailers and restaurants to conduct business will be announced and promoted in advance.
“Local businesses came to us asking for assistance and it was incumbent upon us to help in whatever way we can,” said First Ward Councilor William Hurlock. “We are pleased to partner with our business communities so they may come back even stronger from these unprecedented times and, as the state returns to some semblance of normality, it is our responsibility to provide opportunities in ways that state, CDC and local regulations allow.”
Emergency Assistance Grant Program
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be available at a later date.
Requirements for business grant eligibility: