Officials meet with local business owners impacted by I-80 closure to discuss relief options
WHARTON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – I-80 in Wharton will remain closed after New Jersey Department of Transportation officials discovered another void under the left westbound lane last week, officials announced over the weekend. Road crews are working around the clock and hope to reopen two eastbound and two westbound lanes in May.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, with Wharton Mayor William J. Chegwidden, organized a business support meeting that took place March 31 to share information on state and federal grants and loans for local businesses impacted by the I-80 closure. Representatives from the state Economic Development Authority, Department of Transportation and federal Small Business Administration also attended.
Dunn said there were about 40 businesses represented at the meeting.
“I’m working hard in Trenton to give Wharton businesses access to vital state resources through direct tax relief and through relevant grants,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “I am committed to ensuring our businesses are supported every step of the way as we navigate this crisis together.”
“The meeting held in our borough Monday night is only the beginning to help guide the business through this trying time. Many local businesses have been fighting to keep their doors open. We now look to our state legislative body to step up to help rectify a problem that was unexpectedly placed upon them,” Chegwidden said.
Peter Sedereas, owner of the Townsquare Diner in Wharton, said the I-80 closures have not only been a challenge to his bottom line, but to the families who rely on the diner for work and community who meets at the diner for not only food, but connection.
“Despite the hardships, the meeting offered us a sense of optimism as local leaders, including Assemblywoman Dunn, Mayor Cheggwiden, and Senator Bucco, listened closely to our concerns and committed to finding real solutions. The discussion underscored the need for immediate support for small businesses, including access to tax relief and grant opportunities to help us weather the storm,” Sedereas said.
“I met with officials from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and local business owners who have been severely impacted by the ongoing sinkhole crisis on Interstate 80 to discuss various assistance options, including a grant program, to help these businesses recover,” said Sen. Bucco. “The impact of this disruption has been significant and it is critical that we act swiftly to provide the necessary relief to those affected. I am fully committed to working alongside our local businesses to ensure they receive the support they need during this challenging time.”
“I’m proud to be working with Mayor Chegwidden to empower our business owners to connect with programs to get the help they are entitled to,” Dunn said. “At the same time I’ve introduced legislation to provide more relief to those affected.”
The assemblywoman recently introduced her “Road to Relief” bill package, which will appropriate $1 million to establish an EDA grant program to help commuters, employees and businesses impacted by the I-80 closures (A5554) and will provide tax credits for businesses affected by the closures (A5556).
Local businesses have seen significant downturns in customers since the end of December, when the first of several sinkholes opened, closing that section of interstate for four days. A sinkhole then closed eastbound lanes on Feb. 10, followed by another on March 19 that shut down westbound traffic at exit 34 in Wharton. The sinkholes are likely a result of abandoned iron mines.
“It means a lot to us to know that leaders like Assemblywoman Dunn, Mayor Cheggwiden, and Senator Bucco are not only listening, but actively fighting for real solutions. Access to tax relief and grant support would be a lifeline for businesses like mine, not only during the highway closure, but as we work towards recovery post re-opening of the highway,” Sedereas said.
