WESTWOOD—Scores of downtown businesses are expected to take advantage of the borough’s relaxed business vibe, due to a resolution council passed Feb. 20 that authorizes the use of sidewalks for retail sales, business signage, and busking for a fifth consecutive year.
Busking is the act of performing in a public space, such as a street performer or a street musician or artist, usually for gratuities.
Mayor Raymond Arroyo told us, “The pandemic literally turned dining, entertainment and shopping inside out. The reaction to indoor restrictions was an explosion of streetscape commerce, art and vibrancy that the borough continues to nurture with these [annual] resolutions.”
Councilwoman Lauren Letezia told us the resolution recently passed that enables borough businesses to operate sidewalk sales and was first approved by council in 2020 and renewed every year since.
The relaxed restrictions mirror Covid-era relaxations that offered businesses flexibility to better market their stores, restaurants, and wares, Arroyo told us.
Borough Clerk Karen Hughes urged businesses to prepare for the coming outdoor sales season: “In order to take advantage of sidewalk use for retail or signage, businesses must be in full compliance with this resolution (24-78),” she wrote on borough letterhead. Be sure to read the resolution thoroughly prior to using sidewalks for retail or temporary portable signs.”
She said the borough had recently approved “extension of certain sidewalk and temporary signage uses through Dec. 31, 2024 within the parameters itemized” in Resolution 24-78.
The resolution notes insurance requirements, extent of sidewalk sales and signage, and denotes hours and locations for street artists and performers. Celebrate Westwood, a not-for-profit promoting local businesses, is responsible for coordinating all busking events and sponsors arts events and spring shopping events that draw visitors and shoppers.
Letizia told Pascack Press, “A majority of downtown businesses have taken advantage of these resolutions in some way. On each block of Westwood Ave, Broadway, Center and Fairview in the CBD-SPE, and across the tracks on 3rd and Washington, and around the corner on Jefferson Avenue, Westwood businesses have quite literally taken to the streets to welcome customers.”
She added, “On sunny days, downtown visitors can expect to see tastefully designed sandwich boards announcing specials and inviting customers, small sales racks displaying merchandise at retail shops, or bistro tables set for hungry customers.”
Letizia noted that, “What began as a stopgap to help businesses stay afloat amidst pandemic-related gathering and indoor dining restrictions ended up making Westwood an even more inviting and lively destination, and the Westwood Council recognizes that.”
She said, “The business owners and patrons have been equally receptive to their annual renewal. It’s important to note that while the resolutions expand the area in which businesses can operate—and do so in a way where closing streets, disrupting traffic, or taking up valuable parking stalls is not required—there are parameters which require participating locations to register with the borough, keep sidewalks passable within ADA and public safety requirements.”
Letizia, also a longtime Celebrate Westwood volunteer, told us that the nonprofit business advocacy group has big plans for this year.
She said Celebrate Westwood “is looking forward to the return of Music on the Avenues, which, through this same resolution and permission of the governing body, brings local musicians to the downtown sidewalks every Friday and Saturday June 7—Sept. 10.
She said the street busking has been recognized by Downtown New Jersey for its creativity and is in its fifth season. Additionally, she said, ‘Arts in the Park’ is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 from noon to 4 p.m., with applications now open for local artists.
She said Arts in the Park was “not a craft fair such as the ones often hosted by PJ Promotions, but an open air gallery with interactive booths, live music, and art for enjoyment and purchase.”
She noted, “Additionally, Celebrate Westwood’s BIZhub committee [which has stepped up to fill certain functions of the now-defunct Westwood Chamber of Commerce] will be hosting spring shopping events at various locations downtown. These Celebrate Westwood events are complementary to the robust programming of the Westwood Recreation Department which hosts such favorites as the Summer Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park which bring hundreds of local residents and visitors to Veterans Park, right downtown.”
Additional upcoming events include the Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies (hosted by VFW) and a heath and wellness fair (hosted by the Board of Health) that should also increase foot traffic to our local businesses.
Added Arroyo: “As the ‘Hub of the Pascack Valley,’ we have documented a steadily increasing volume of traffic traveling through town, both north-south, and east-west. Forward-thinking management of traffic circulation, and ensuring sufficient parking to meet rising demand are critical to the success of our local businesses, whether conducted inside or outside.”
He noted, “As the outdoor dining/commerce resolution indicates, ensuring pedestrian flow and safety are prominent in this mix of concerns.”