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Broadwalk closures draw sharp criticism from perimeter restaurants as council promises further review
Summary
Dozens of residents and business owners told the Redbank council Aug. 11 that the Broadwalk street-closure program and more aggressive parking enforcement have hurt restaurants outside the closed area; River Center and some restaurateurs defended the program. Councilors said they'll continue dialogue and consider parking adjustments.
A chorus of Redbank restaurant owners and residents told the borough council on Aug. 11 that the Broadwalk street-closure program has shifted customers and parking toward businesses inside the closed area and away from perimeter restaurants.
"When the Broadwalk is active, our reservations and walk-ins drop dramatically," said Louisis Andreos of Napoli Italian Kitchen, who told the council his establishment has seen noticeably lower traffic during Broadwalk events. Montichello owner Katherine Jambalo said aggressive, short-duration parking tickets in loading zones have hampered pick-ups and delivery drivers and reduced her walk-in business by roughly half.
At the same meeting, championing the Broadwalk, Tim McCloon — who operates multiple restaurants and said his Redbank location once generated an additional $300,000 — urged caution before dismantling the program. "We saw people from other states and regions visiting," he said, and blamed recent year-over-year declines partly on a run of bad weather this year.
River Center executive director Marin Bennett urged context, saying the Broadwalk draws visitors who then circulate through downtown. "There are multiple factors — weather, the economy — but data show Broadwalk brings people who walk around town," she said.
Council members acknowledged the competing claims and said they would pursue targeted steps, including reviewing parking enforcement, exploring two-hour restrictions on some residential streets (Oakland Street was cited by residents) and meeting with affected businesses. Deputy Mayor Triiano said the council is willing to consider measures such as adjusted parking hours while seeking a balanced approach.
The debate also surfaced safety concerns. Longtime resident William Meyer described a recent incident involving a high-speed electric bicycle and called for stronger enforcement and cameras; councilors directed staff to include safety and enforcement in follow-up discussions.
What’s next: Councilors and River Center representatives agreed to continue dialogues with perimeter businesses, review parking signage and enforcement practices, and explore targeted mitigation measures before making broader structural changes to the Broadwalk program.
