Township restricts outdoor display of sale goods
Socio is worried
about the impact
on small businesses
NORTH BRUNSWICK — The Township Council has adopted an ordinance restricting the outdoor display of goods for sale.
Council members voted 4-1 Monday night in favor of the ordinance. Councilman Carlo Socio voted against the measure, and Councilman Larry Baldini was absent from the meeting.
"It doesn’t beautify our community," said Councilwoman Maureen Little. "It is a nuisance to the town. I would rather that the products and goods are kept indoors. Many people hoped it would go indoors."
Store vendors could get a temporary permit to have sidewalk sales, according to council President Peggy Scarillo.
"Unless it is a temporary sidewalk sale or a seasonal sale permit from the clerk, I see no reason for such displays," Scarillo said.
A seasonal merchandise license is generally $50, and the display must be checked periodically, according to Township Clerk Helen Folek.
Resident Mark Pinkham said that township officials are hurting the smaller businesses.
"I see nothing wrong with outside displays," Pinkham said. "You are chasing the little guys out of town. We have malls and other big stores. This town was built by the little guys. I would want to display everything outside also to try to sell more merchandise."
Resident Matt Witkowski said that the merchants should be allowed to display their goods outside.
"A person should be able to show his wares," Witkowski said. "If they get out of hand, then put restrictions on them. They sell objects to pay taxes. They have to display their goods. There are a whole bunch of stores who attract people by standing out in a mall setting. But the smaller stores are not as visible, and people driving by won’t see a small store."
Scarillo noted that outdoor displays were previously limited to a 2-foot radius.
"The businesses are all limited to [keeping their displays] 2 feet from the building," Scarillo said. "I’ve heard concerns about the way it looks. It does not look good."
Mary Anne Mazer a member of the Friends of the Library, said she has concerns about this ordinance.
"I am concerned about the effect it will have on small businesses," Mazer said. "I don’t like to see what the corporations are doing to small businesses. I don’t like what the corporations have done to America. There are many empty malls because of large corporations. You need to think what it will do to small businesses."
Councilman Socio was also very concerned about the effect the ordinance will have on small businesses.
"There is at least one food market who puts their goods out for display," Socio said. "Are we sure about the impact this will have on businesses? There are so many businesses who need it."
Councilman Leo Ryan said, however, that the display of goods at a store could be a traffic hazard.
"Quite frankly, I am concerned with the concentration of traffic," Ryan said. "It could be a major liability on Georges Road. This is the most dangerous area in town. It could be a hazard to people driving by."
Councilman Francis "Mack" Womack said that the merchants had plenty of time to challenge this ordinance.
"This was brought up many months ago," Womack said. "No merchant has contacted me to say it would affect their business."