We’re now in our 10th week under the governor’s stay-at-home executive orders, but we continue to open the city’s economy. By most accounts, this past weekend went well from a social distancing standpoint; and I’m very proud of all of our citizens in the manner in which they conducted themselves during the Memorial Day holiday.
Having said that, we need to accelerate the opening of some of our businesses. Regarding this matter, I continue to co-chair the County-Wide Recovery Initiative and I have daily discussions with the governor’s office to ensure we remain focused on the first priority of public health, as we work to re-establish our summer business which is so vital to Sea Isle’s resort destination economy.
We are now able to have outside gatherings of up to 25 people, and some organized activities, such as outdoor fitness programs and yoga are now permitted.
One of our next major priorities is obtaining permission to open indoor business for retail establishments and dining establishments. Obviously, approval for these activities will prove more difficult than outdoor activities, but we need to get this done.
A common concern and complaint we get from our businesses is that the large box store retailers, such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowes, are permitted to have customers inside, yet small businesses remain shut down. This will be a major topic of our ongoing discussions with our state leaders, as we work to get things open.
Stay safe, stay well, remain optimistic; and remember – we are all one Sea Isle City and together we will be stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard Desiderio
