Business

Jocelyn Russo cited by national Hispanic association

Citing safety concerns, Montclair is now requiring business owners who use tents or igloos to extend their operations outdoors to get permits and be inspected. 

Over 570 Montclair companies have received funds from the federal Paycheck Protection Program since April, helping keep about 6,120 employees on payrolls, according to the Small Business Administration.

Montclair businesses affected by the COVID pandemic can apply for up to $10,000 to pay the rent under a new state program.

Barbers, salons, tattoo and nail parlors all got back to business in Montclair, and customers are happy to see it even with new COVID-19 restrictions.

Montclair's restaurants and retail outlets got some relief last week as limited outdoor dining and inside shopping opened up for New Jersey businesses.

When malls reopen, stores will be limited to a 50-percent customer capacity, and restaurants can offer food for takeout or for outdoor dining only. Communal areas such as food courts will remain closed or cordoned off.

On Tuesday, the day after the businesses opened, the town responded to the owners pleas by waiving sidewalk cafe dining permit fees, offering $150,000 in grant funds, and working to close some streets during certain hours.

Gov. Phil Murphy welcomed New Jerseyans to Stage Two of the state’s recovery from COVID-19 at his briefing today, Monday, June 15.

With New Jersey allowing retail stores to serve their patrons with curbside pickup, Montclair businesses have to plan for the return of their consumer base.