Maple Street Outdoor Dining Debate Reignites as Council Braces For Public Hearing Clash

SUMMIT, NJ — Maple Street is headed back to the center of a political fight in Summit, where a proposal to once again allow seasonal pedestrian use and outdoor dining is dividing the Common Council over process, safety, and how far downtown flexibility should go.The ordinance, set for public hearing Tuesday, would reauthorize seasonal closure of portions of Maple Street for pedestrian activity and dining. But the debate was already set at the Council’s last meeting, where the discussion quickly shifted from policy to process after Councilman Dan Crisafulli introduced a substitute ordinance from the floor.That move drew immediate objections from Councilmen Jamel Boyer and Bob Pawlowski.“I’ve never brought anything out in public that wasn’t vetted by the safety committee first,” Boyer said, voting no and warning the proposal was “not ready for prime time.”Pawlowski said the Council had only just received the traffic study, calling the timing a central concern.“We just got the traffic study last night and the reason that this ordinance hasn't made its way through safety yet is because we needed the traffic study first,” he said. “So the fact that we are even considering this, I think is a big mistake.”He said the approach ran counter to repeated commitments to transparency and process.“Everybody up on this dais campaign preaches transparency and process,” Pawlowski said. “And in a single moment here tonight, we’re just going to throw both of those out the window.”Pawlowski, who serves on the safety committee, said the panel never formally concluded the closure could be implemented safely and argued the ordinance also conflicts with state law governing street closures, citing NJSA 40:67-169 as controlling statute. He voted no.Councilman Dan Crisafulli shot down Pawlowski's legal interpretation, saying, “We have directly copied the DOT code.”Crisafulli also defended the proposal as necessary for downtown vitality and economic stability.“Pedestrian use of Maple Street offers the additional benefit of helping keep Summit’s nationally-recognized downtown vibrant,” he said. “Unfortunately, our downtown is at risk. Foot traffic downtown has been declining for the past several years as local businesses suffer the effects of online shopping and mounting tariffs. Summit has a proud history of supporting locally-owned businesses, and now is the time for us to step up once again.”Council President Claire Toth said the city’s past experience with Maple Street supports bringing the concept back.“The pedestrian-only Maple Street created community, generated foot traffic to our local businesses, and promoted joy,” she said. “There were musical performances, a variety of programming, and yes—outdoor dining. The Council majority looks forward to recreating that experience for our residents.”“In putting forward this ordinance, the city and its professionals have complied with all requirements,” Toth said “Our first responders are prepared; our traffic study is in place; we are working with the state Department of Transportation. This may slightly alter traffic patterns for some of us (me included); there are multiple alternate routes.”Mayor Elizabeth Fagan said she supports the idea of outdoor dining but emphasized unresolved safety concerns heading into the hearing.“I love dining outdoors and appreciate the vibrancy that it brings to our downtown,” she said. “At the same time, one of our top priorities as a governing body is to preserve and enhance public safety for all residents and visitors. As we approach the public hearing on this matter, there are still important questions related to safety that need to be addressed.”“I encourage residents and business owners to attend the hearing on May 5 and share their thoughts,” she added. “I’m looking forward to hearing from community members and my fellow elected officials so we can make a thoughtful, balanced decision that reflects the best interests of our entire community.”Councilwoman Jaclyn Lasaracina said she has not made a final decision but is leaning toward support.“On Maple St — in brief, I have not yet made a final decision; I want to hear from the community during the public hearing on Tuesday, May 5,” she said. “Based on available information, I am inclined to support the seasonal pedestrian mall.”She added that safety has been central to the review process.“Public safety has been the top priority throughout months of consideration,” Lasaracina said. “When we have important questions, we ask the experts. Here, leadership across Summit's first responders and engineering report we can safely administer a seasonal pedestrian mall. I trust our experts.”She also pointed to broader community impact.“There is a growing body of research that suggests opportunities such as this one—for neighbors to come together, build community, and find fellowship—have a real, positive impact on public mental health and welfare.”Past Council President and current Democratic Party Chairman Greg Vartan criticized opposition to the proposal, pointing directly at Pawlowski.“Seems to me like Bob has been trying to stop this from moving forward any way he can,” Vartan said. “We closed Maple to vehicles for three years when I was on Council, and it was extremely successful. It is overwhelmingly popular, dozens of other towns do it, and this is not complicated. Bob should stop trying to block what the majority of people want.”