Three New Jersey legislators who represent the 10th district, which includes many shore towns from Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Heights, say Gov. Phi Murphy should reopen businesses statewide now.

 

The lawmakers say without opening right away, seasonal businesses at the shore is in jeopardy. In Point Pleasant Beach on Arnold Avenue, the usually busy restaurants are only offering take-out options. The street is lined on both sides with small businesses and restaurants, but most of them have been shuttered for weeks.

Sen. Jim Holzapfel, Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Assemblymen John Catalano issued a resolution Thursday for the governor to let the small businesses operate and restart the economy.

In a statement, Sen. Holzapfel says, "Gov. Murphy, give New Jerseyans the benefit of the doubt. We are not knuckleheads and we can reopen with safety in mind by following the guidelines set forth by the CDC."

The senator went on to say, "With schools permanently closed for the year, our efforts need to be focused on reopening our small businesses."

 

Assemblyman McGuckin says, "If you can safely shop in a Walmart, you can safely shop in other retail establishments. Small businesses deserve the right to operate with the same precautions as big box stores."

The resolution came at the same time hundreds of people protested the governor's shutdown Thursday in front of the state house and war memorial in Trenton. Attendees say it was one of the largest protests since the stay-at-home orders were put in place weeks ago. 

Gov. Murphy says he expects to publicly release his thoughts on reopening more of the state by Memorial Day, he says -- sooner or later.

The governor says he likes what he's seen so far at state parks when it comes to social distancing. Cape May County has submitted a detailed plan for reopening to the state.

"I don't begrudge Cape May County for sort of laying a plan out,” says Gov. Murphy. “Tourism is a huge part of their economic reality. We respect that, understand that and we want to do everything we can, responsibly, to support it."