July 13 Merchant News

Lots of new information in this email:

  • Safety and Cleanliness on Springfield Avenue 

  • Business site visit with Maplewood PD 

  • Useful Forms

  • Upcoming Events

Safety and Cleanliness on Springfield Avenue 

Many of you have reached out to me and have talked amongst each other about an uptick of homeless individuals and some issues with public urination and trash.  I've also heard complaints about cannabis smoking in public spaces. These are issues that the Township recognizes and is taking steps to manage.  

 The following statement is from Mayor Dafis: 

We are very aware of [these issues] and are actively engaged in solutions. 
Our Health Department social workers are working with the houseless individuals to connect them to services and housing.  Our Public Works Department is working with the Springfield Avenue Partnership in expanded maintenance of public areas along the corridor and toward more beautification.  Our Police Department is increasing their visibility along the corridor (inclusive of street patrols up and down the Avenue) to enhance public safety and mitigate any criminal behavior.  Our Township Administrator is overseeing all of this. 
It is a multi-faceted approach that should result in making things better on the Avenue for everyone. 
As the elected officials, we have directed our township departments to address these concerns head on and we support their efforts in doing so.   


The Township is also adjusting the hours of operation of the Community Fridge so it is not open to the public overnight. 
If there are people smoking cannabis on public property or your private property or a homeless individual blocking your doorway, please call the Maplewood Police Desk: 973-762-1234.   
You can also email me and/or Township Administrator Patrick Wherry pwherry@maplewoodnj.gov if you want to bring up additional concerns 

 

Business site visit with Maplewood PD 

We invite all Springfield Avenue businesses to schedule a site visit with a Maplewood Police Officer to review storefront safety and go over best security practices. We’ve been in discussions with Sgt. Reeves of the Maplewood Police Department about making sure business owners and customers feel secure. 

To request a visit, please fill out this brief form. Depending on demand, the Department will schedule a few visits per week.  I encourage all businesses to take advantage of this offer.

https://forms.gle/MxA6ymRJA4RXSCN69 

Useful Forms

Permit for Sidewalk Cafe (i.e. tables and chairs) --Submit form to Township Clerk

Sidewalk Retail Services Permit  (i.e. Sidewalk Sale)--Submit form to Township Clerk

Springfield Avenue Design Guidelines and Application —Submit form to nwallace@springfieldavenue.com

Upcoming Events

July 14—Gazebo Summer Concert Series with Janétza Miranda  (Springfield Avenue Gazebo)

July 21 --Gazebo Summer Concert Series with Joe Taino  (Springfield Avenue Gazebo)

July 22—Tycoon Dog at Yale Corner

July 23—Sunday Jazz Series with Mike Lee Trio and Friends (Springfield Avenue Gazebo)

Julie Doran