By Sophia Ricciardelli
The World Cup will not runneth over for the Homestead Bar & Kitchen.
The DeHart Street bar wanted to operate outdoors for 21 dates during the upcoming soccer tournament. On Tuesday, the Morristown council approved two: June 19, when the U.S. plays Australia, and July 19, the day scheduled for the final match.
If the U.S. team advances past the first round, Homestead also will have permission to sell alcohol outside for any of those matches falling between Thursday and Sunday that start before 5 p.m.
“The amount of days requested was just far too great — for the neighborhood, for the residents, and for public safety,” said town attorney David Minchello, as he presented the town’s amended plan during a special 10-minute session preceding the regular council meeting.
The council doubles as Morristown’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Homestead’s events, featuring outdoor screens for viewing the games, will take place in the backyard of 37-39 South St., the site of a podiatry office bought last year by the bar’s owners. Homestead, which adjoins the yard, only will be permitted to use the extended property starting one hour before, and ending one hour after, each game.
Robert C. Williams, attorney for the Homestead, told the council that even though he knew not all 21 days would be approved, the number resulted from high demand. “We had a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, from people interested in the World Cup.”
“We were hoping for more permits. I’m not going to say (the amendment) was reasonable, I’m going to say we accepted it,” Williams told Morristown Green.
The lawyer pointed to festivities hosted in the lot for St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. A councilman indicated there were no complaints, “which is somewhat inconsistent with not giving us more nights,” Williams said.
However, he conceded the World Cup might be a different kind of atmosphere. “St. Patrick’s Day is usually a family event. Cinco de Mayo, a family event. I don’t know whether or not this would be as much of a family event.”
More than 1 million people are expected to pour into New Jersey in June for World Cup matches, which are being hosted at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. While soccer fans and businesses are excited, state officials are working to address security, logistical and transportation challenges.
In a separate matter, the council unanimously okayed 10 a.m. bar openings on World Cup Sundays. The usual time is noon. Proprietors will be required to pay a $50 registration for the earlier start, said Council President Steve Pylypchuk.
He said the governing body will consider Councilman Robert Iannaccone’s suggestion to make the change permanent, to accommodate patrons who want a Mimosa after church services.
The relationship between the council and the Walsh family, which has stakes in the Homestead and three other Morristown bars, has been bumpy at times. A request to place a bowling alley/bar at the South Street location, across from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, was denied last year. The council also refused permission for eight daylong festivals on the premises.
Because the South Street site lacks a liquor license, Homestead and its sister establishment, the Tashmoo Restaurant & Bar, have asked to extend their licenses for events there.
Farther down South Street, Billy Walsh is seeking variances from the town zoning board to allow conversion of a former bank into a restaurant and bar.
Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report.
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With just about a month left to the school year I want to mention how joyful it has been being a crossing guard in Morristown. I was a substitute previously but this year I had a permanent post crossing kids in third through fifth grades.
The kids tell me about special events at school, what instruments they play, how many baskets they made in gym, and whether they’re nervous about a test. I feel so protective of them and love how they say thank you to me and watch out for each other.
One boy saw I brought a shovel to my post over the winter and he said he’d help me shovel next time. (It didn’t happen).
It’s a simple job that delights me, along with seeing how great nearly all the drivers are as they pass through a hectic intersection and wait for kids in the crosswalk. I’m going to miss the job and all these terrific kids over the summer.