Permanent Outdoor Dining Possible For Moorestown In Wake Of COVID

MOORESTOWN, NJ — As new cases of the coronavirus continue to climb, Moorestown Council has begun a discussion on how to continue to help at least one industry that struggled through the pandemic.

Moorestown Council is exploring the possibility of extended outdoor dining in the township, with certain requirements, officials said during their Aug. 9 meeting.

The township’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) has recommended not allowing outdoor dining in parking lots because those parking lots are often shared with other establishments.

“I’m just thinking about the bigger establishments that could use parking lots now,” Deputy Mayor Sue Mammarella said. “If there was a larger venue, and it made sense, would they be able to just ask for a variance?”

There is a way to continue to allow it, according to Mayor Nicole Gillespie. She said applications could be submitted through the township’s community development office, and any disagreements could be addressed by the planning board.

Gillespie said it would also eat into the restaurant’s parking requirements, which is based on square footage. Moorestown Director of Community Development Nancy Jamanow said EDAC doesn’t recommend it, and there aren’t many restaurants in Moorestown that would apply to, besides Turning Point.

EDAC said space also has to be considered for pedestrians. Restaurants seeking permanent outdoor seating would have to pay the township connection fee, Chief Financial Officer Tom Merchel said.

In July 2020, Moorestown Council passed legislation that allows restaurants to expand their footprint to allow outdoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here: Moorestown Gives Final Approval To Outdoor Dining Plan

In December, it extended that legislation. Read more here: Outdoor Dining In Moorestown Extended Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In each instance, the legislation was necessary because restaurants weren't allowed to have customers eat inside. The current legislation is in effect until the end of the year or the expiration of the governor’s executive orders put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

This discussion took place during the workshop portion of the meeting, and no official action was taken. Township officials are crafting legislation to be considered at a future meeting.