By Berit Ollestad
With the recent explosion of boutiques in Morristown’s shopping district, would one more even make a difference?
What if it were a “Bowling Boutique “ with a bar, in the epicenter of Morristown beside two other bars?
On a night when the Mayor delivered good news to local taxpayers, these were the burning questions before the town council.
According to East Orange Attorney Robert C. Williams, who is representing Gracie Sunshine LLC, “this is an exciting opportunity that has been handed to the town.”
But residents at Tuesday’s council meeting were not excited about the proposed business for 10 DeHart St., a venture from the same group associated with the Tashmoo, Dark Horse Lounge and Sona Thirteen nightclubs.
Armed with drawings, Williams contended the property is zoned for this use. But he only was given an assurance that the request would be considered by the council on a date to be determined.
The proposal is to re-locate the current structure, a historic house dating back to the late 1800s, and construct a new building.
But first, Gracie Sunshine LLC, seeks assurances that it can transfer its current “pocket” liquor license to the DeHart address.
According to Williams, Morristown has the state’s most stringent policies and regulations regarding liquor licenses, with the possible exception of Newark.
The proposal could have died on the vine Tuesday if the council had rejected the request.
Residents of the 40 Park luxury condos turned out to oppose the plan, citing problems from weekend bar crowds. They don’t want more problems.
“But isn’t that what initially attracted many of these folks to Morristown in the first place?” Williams said, referring to a vibrant and revitalized downtown with many activities and restaurants.
Councilwoman Rebecca Feldman, whose First Ward encompasses the downtown, urged that the council consider the license transfer before the matter goes to the planning board.
“They (the planning board) clearly have enough on their plate with the Speedwell redevelopment project. Let’s not create additional work for them if it isn’t necessary,” she said.
If the license transfer is shot down, Williams said the bowling project will be scrapped.
“If my clients are denied their request, they will not move forward with their plans. We aren’t asking for an exception or variances in the code, it’s very clear that this site is zoned for what it is we are requesting, which is a bowling alley, restaurant and bar. This will only add to the town’s ever-growing appeal as a destination to eat, shop and play in,” Williams said.
Residents who spoke at the meeting were encouraged to wait for all the facts at the next hearing.
BUDGET TO LOWER TAXES FOR SECOND YEAR
Mayor Tim Dougherty introduced a budget that showed a decrease in local property taxes for the second straight year.
Someone with a home assessed at the town average of $350,000 will see a $70 reduction in local taxes. The Mayor said total municipal operating costs have been decreased by 12 percent, with spending pared by $1.1 million.
The police force, meanwhile, has added eight uniformed officers, many of them bilingual, to replace police who have retired. The town expects to add two more officers by year’s end.
There are no layoffs. And the Mayor designated $100,000 in the capital budget for shade tree re-planting, after last year’s devastating tropical storm and Nor’easter.
Dougherty praised residents for their community spirit and volunteerism, and thanked his wife, Mary Dougherty, for her support. But he cautioned that the town is not out of the woods yet; the economy continues to throw tough challenges at everyone.
In other business, police Detective Capt. Steve Sarinelli described a recent visit to Jersey Central Power & Light’s local dispatch center. Police Chief Pete Demnitz, Councilwoman Alison Deeb and town Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Somma accompanied him on the tour.
Although JCP&L has made many upgrades to its technology in the wake of last year’s storms, Sarinelli said the utility still lacks the ability to automatically identify power outages. So it’s imperative, he said, for residents to report any outages.
The police captain elicited a few chuckles when he mentioned JCP&L’s internet postings during Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm. Residents without power for days were unable to log onto their computers.
Morristown Firefighters Gerry Beston and Sean McDonough also reminded the public that the fire department is holding its first open house, on April 15 at the station on 161 Speedwell Ave.
There will be games and demonstrations geared toward kids, as well as an opportunity to check out fire trucks and gear from noon to 4 pm. Refreshments will be served, too.
When the Mayor asked if he’d be allowed to drive one of the fire trucks, Beston replied, “so long as you sign a release.” That brought a grin from the town attorney.
