Outdoor
dining in 2020 was a huge hit in Manasquan, and came back strong for another
summer last year, but some say it's too much.
The
Manasquan Chamber of Commerce plans to cut back the amount of Main Street closures
this summer from two days a week to just five all summer.
For the
last two years, Main Street turned into a street fair every Wednesday and
Thursday. But this week, a decision by the chamber to only allow five days of
closures isn't sitting well with some shop owners.
“Last year
was definitely overkill,” says Colleen Jacobs, with Styled
Strong Fitness Wear. “We started too early, we started in April, we had two
days a week, went to Labor Day. I think that kind of killed the vibe.”
Jacobs'
clothing store sits right between two restaurants, and while she understands
there can be too much of a good thing, designating only five days of street
dining is too far in the other direction.
“This gives
people an opportunity to really feel like, we're on vacation, we're sitting
outside, we're listening to music,” says Jacobs.
The chamber
president says the decision to close Main Street for just five evenings this
year was based on input from other store owners, financial reasons and
residents who live above the shops concerned about loud music and
parking. Restaurant owners and some locals say they're disappointed in the
decision.
“We made a
big investment too,” says Chef Lou Smith, with Blend on Main. “We purchased chairs,
tables, big investment. The town also wanted to keep it safe. That's all
for not.”
The chamber
president says the first outdoor dining closure is scheduled for June 30, and
each of the five nights will be themed from kid’s nights to car
shows.