Boro looks at facade
law amid resistance
BY JOHN DUNPHY
Staff Writer
SOUTH RIVER — Borough officials are considering the possibility of adopting new regulations regarding the facades of local businesses.
The possibility of drafting such an ordinance regulating downtown commercial operations was discussed at the Borough Council’s regular meeting Monday.
Ed Trygar, a South River resident and business owner, told the council that he does not believe the new rules would be a good idea.
"You’re looking to pass laws to restrict downtown businessmen," he told the council, saying further restrictions could do more harm than good.
Mayor Robert Szegeti said that such an ordinance is only a consideration at the moment, and that it was too soon to comment on what its impact would be. He said it was still being discussed by the borough attorney and planner.
Council President David Sliker said it was still not known whether the ordinance would pertain to existing businesses.
"I don’t believe it’s the intention of the council that every building [be] painted white with blue shutters," Szegeti said.
Facade ordinances are in place in several other municipalities with downtown business areas.
Szegeti said Borough Attorney Frederick Roselli has recently compiled existing facade ordinances from other towns for consideration toward the possible ordinance for South River, as well as suggestions from the council regarding possible inclusions to the proposed ordinance.
Trygar, the owner of Trygar’s Hardware on Ferry Street, does not feel the potential law would be of any benefit to the borough.
"In any of these towns that have facade ordinances, I haven’t seen any increase in business," he said.
Szegeti responded that officials are "not trying to be big brother.
"Each store has a right to their own distinguishing marks, but within reason," he said.
Szegeti said the facade ordinance may be reviewed in August or September.
"It’s not business friendly, that’s for sure," Trygar said. "Those types of decisions should be left to the businessmen."