COVID-19 Update - as of June 5
Dear Friends,
The reopening stages have been finally announced by Governor Murphy! Details are still coming in, but we do have some definitive information. This week’s newsletter will focus on:

1)  Statement from Mayor Giblin regarding Stage 2 reopening  
2) Governor Murphy’s three stages road back to reopen our businesses – STATUS
3)  New available Funding: NJ Economic Development Agency (EDA) Grant Funding and UCEDC Loan
4)  Boxcar Zoom Session Recap
5)  Sidewalk Café Application – Expanded Seating
6)  Father’s Day
7)  Zoom Meeting – Thursday 10 am – Guest Speaker UCEDC and SBA
1)  Statement from Mayor Giblin on Stage 2 reopenings

Mayor Giblin sent out an email earlier today pertaining to the Phase 2 guidelines for outdoor dining and non-essential retail. To view the email, please click here .
2)    Business Reopening – June 15 th and June 22nd

Governor Murphy has announced that the following businesses may open with restrictions on June 15 th and 22 nd . Here is a link from NJ COVID Website .

o    June 15 th
  • Non-Essential Retail - may permit customers to enter their stores. The capacity must me 50% less than what is normally permitted and all social distancing guidelines must be followed. All employees must wear masks and a recommendation is that customers to wear masks as well.
  • Restaurants – Restaurants may permit outdoor dining. Tables must be at a minimum 6 ft a part and employees must wear masks. No indoor dining is permitted at this time. That will be stage 3.

o    June 22 nd
  • Barbershops and hair salons can reopen. NJ State and CDC guidelines on how many customers, spacing must be followed.

Stage 3
  • We are still waiting for information on reopening for stage 3 which includes:
  • Indoor restaurant seating
  • Spas
  • Nail / Eyelash Salons
  • Tattoo parlors
  • Massage parlors
  • Tanning salons
  • Public / private social clubs

We will keep everyone updated as the information becomes available.
3) New EDA Grants, UCEDC Loans

1.     The Economic Development Agency (EDA) Cares Grant will have a new reopening of applications next Tuesday June 9 th at am . This is first come, first serve, so apply right away. Here is link to information .
 
2.     Union County Economic Development Agency (UCEDC) will have new loans available of up to $15K. These loans are 0% interest. The application period began yesterday June 4 th . These loans will go fast too. Here is link to information on these loans .
4) Zoom Meeting Recap – Guest Speaker from Boxcar

Thanks again to Boxcar CEO Joe Colangelo for presenting yesterday during our weekly Zoom call. Joe, a Cranford resident, wants to do everything he can to assist our businesses. Boxcar has 1,500 users who have Cranford accounts and 15,000 throughout NJ. Joe has partnered with several Cranford businesses in providing groceries, prepared meals, retail items, etc. Joe is able to meet with business owners to discuss their business operations and how he can assist. Ideas include a subscription service to beauty, nail salons / barber shops / spas and other innovative ideas. As Joe says “you keep on doing what you’re good with and I’ll focus on what I do best which is logistics and delivery." Joe is can be reached at [email protected]
5) Sidewalk Café Permits – Expand Seating to Adjacent Property Owners

For any dining establishment, please submit your sidewalk café application ASAP. Here is the link . Please remember that there must be a minimum of 6 ft of distance from tables to people walking by for social distancing. In an effort to expand sidewalk café space, you are now able to put additional tables located in front of the businesses next to you. You must have written permission from this business and property owner and must be submitted with application.
6) Father’s Day

We are putting together a listing of what stores will be offering for Father’s Day. If you have any specials please email us by Friday, June 12 th . 
7)       Next Week Zoom Call – Guest Speakers Ellen McHenry from UCEDC and Claudia Yarborough from SBA

We will have two guest speakers for next week’s Zoom call to discuss stimulus funds and PPP forgiveness. Please see below for their bios.

Ellen McHenry, Senior Director of Financial Programs

Ellen has helped transform UCEDC from a one-county agency to the statewide financing resource it is today during her 20+-year tenure. She directs the development and administration of several loan and business support programs. With $40 million under management and a $5 million loan portfolio, Ellen oversees the servicing and compliance for SBA and non-SBA loan products.
Prior to joining UCEDC, Ellen worked in retail banking for twelve years. She is a resident of Cranford for 25+ years and a trustee of Hanson Park Conservancy and Green Thumb Garden Club of Cranford.

Claudia Yarborough is a Lender Relations Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration in Newark. N.J. The SBA is a federal Agency that provides valuable resources to Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Lenders, etc. Ms. Yarborough has a wealth of knowledge with 35 years with the SBA.  Ms. Yarborough is responsible for Marketing the SBA lending programs and services through outreach and training. Topics includes litigation, foreclosure, guaranty purchases, etc. The Agency current focus is assisting small businesses owners recover from the current pandemic.
Please reach out to us at any time if there is any way we can assist you during this time. Enjoy your weekend!

Best,
Downtown Cranford Office