Hoboken City Council President Jen Giattino and Second Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, who is Council liaison to the Hoboken Business Alliance, are introducing legislation to extend Hoboken’s outdoor dining and shopping programs to 2021.  Extending the existing programs in Hoboken, which are currently scheduled to expire this fall, will give local businesses the confidence they will have sufficient space to operate going into the colder months.   Like in most municipalities, small businesses and restaurants in the City of Hoboken continue to struggle with the many occupancy and other limitations being imposed relating to the COVId-19 pandemic.

“The business recovery programs have added a lot of value to Hoboken businesses and to our residents as well” says Giattino who co-sponsored the original programs.  “It is important that we are constantly assessing what more we can do and when our businesses asked us if we could extend the term of the programs now, it was an easy ‘yes’”.

“With continued uncertainty by Governor Murphy about the future of indoor dining and retail due to health and safety concerns, this is a step we can take locally to help our businesses plan for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons and beyond” says Fisher.  “There is more to do as colder months approach, but this is a necessary start.”

The ordinance will be introduced for a vote on first reading at the virtual Hoboken City Council meeting on Wednesday, August 19^th at 7:00 pm.