After signing an executive order this morning, Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced the 15 members that will serve on the Hoboken Economic Recovery Task Force to help get businesses back on their feet once state emergency orders are lifted.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The task force, consisting of leaders in various local industries in the Mile Square City, will provide recommendations on advancing a gradual reopening that is safe for business employees, customers, and the City of Hoboken.
While the State of New Jersey will determine the regulations and timelines of an eventual re-opening, the city and this newly formed task force seek to craft advisory guidelines on a local level that assists businesses to the greatest extent possible.
“As Hoboken prepares for a gradual re-opening as determined by the state, we must ensure that it is done so in the safest manner possible for both our residents and small businesses,†Bhalla said in a statement.
“The task force we established today will be asked to share recommendations to the city and our businesses that prioritizes the health and safety of our community. I’m greatly appreciative to the task force members for this collaborative approach, and thank them for providing this service to our City.â€
The task force will be co-chaired by Grace Sciancalepore, owner of Leo’s Grandevous, and Anthony Pino, owner of Anthony David’s and Bin 14, while Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini and Environmental Services Director Jennifer Gonzalez will serve as city representatives.
“We are glad to help with an economic recovery in our mile square,†Sciancalepore and Pino said in a joint statement.
“As owners of small businesses, we know first-hand how challenging it has been during COVID. We want to provide our support to the City as we plan for ways to keep everyone safe when supporting the many terrific local businesses, and look forward to working with the task force members.â€
Gov. Phil Murphy (D) issued a stay-at-home order on March 21st that closed all non-essential businesses, though he has indicated that the state will begin loosening some of those restrictions in the coming days.
Chairpersons
Grace Sciancalepore (Leo’s Grandevous) and Anthony Pino (Anthony David’s, Bin 14)
Restaurants
Dave Jacey (Blackbear), Mario Stretti (10th and Willow), Nick DePalma (Leo’s) and Dino Panopoulos (Dino and Harry’s)
Retail
Dona Garban (Little City Books), Meghan Lavelle (Washington General)
Personal grooming: Laurie Michelson (Hair Cult)
Café
Tats Mori-Ryan (BweKafe)
Fitness
Jon Bevacqua (Crossfit Hoboken)
Art
Ricardo Roig (Roig Collection)
Technology
Preston Junger (Hoboken Hospitality Association)
Special Improvement District
Stuart Koperweis, GregDell’Aquila
