Bucco asks state DOT to close Morristown street to traffic, to accommodate outdoor dining

The South Street Creamery is back... for curbside pickup, June 2, 2020. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Who says bi-partisanship is dead?

On Tuesday, state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist.) went to bat for Mayor Tim Dougherty, a Democrat, urging the state Department of Transportation to reconsider the mayor’s request to close portions of South Street, to accommodate expanded outdoor dining.

Gov. Phil Murphy has authorized outdoor dining at restaurants, and expanded outdoor operations by bars, effective June 15, 2020, as the state reopens from stay-at-home orders issued by the governor on March 21 to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Expressing concerns that the pandemic has left many restaurants on the brink of ruin, Bucco wrote to DOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti that her department’s denial of Dougherty’s request “does not appear to be in the spirit of partnership that Governor Murphy promised to help our restaurants and downtown communities survive this crisis.

Morristown Democratic Mayor, Tim Dougherty, left, gets a birthday hug from GOP Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, while their spouses, Mary and Amy, watch, Sept. 15, 2018. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Morristown Democratic Mayor, Tim Dougherty, left, gets a GOP birthday hug from Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, while their spouses, Mary and Amy, watch, Sept. 15, 2018. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“In this difficult economic time, I am sure you would agree it is imperative that the NJDOT and every office of State government go above and beyond to meet the extraordinary needs of New Jerseyans and our communities,” wrote Bucco.

If the DOT won’t approve a partial closure of South Street, Bucco wants an explanation, along with alternate proposals to help businesses along that state roadway.

“I support Mayor Dougherty’s efforts to support struggling businesses along South Street and look forward to working with him to get this done,” Bucco said in a statement.

MorristownGreen.com has reached out to the DOT for comment, and will update this story when the agency responds.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Also close speedwell between fire station and the green. Mr Lins – Horseshoe, all the latin spots. what more we central American family loving n dancing people would love n that is to dance in the streets. pls dont forget or overlook #ward2. we spend too.

  2. Cool – I’m for this hope it works out. Now can we give the Frog its outdoor dining/liquor license for the back patio as well?

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