Three ordinances that will limit the number of new nail and hair salons in the borough are on the agenda to be voted on during the May 17th Mayor & Council meeting.
What started as a workshop discussion had First Ward Councilwoman research the number of salons in the borough. In an attempt to improve and diversify the business community in the borough, the councilwoman discussed the matter with Rich Belluscio, the borough’s zoning officer. In determining what could legally be done to address what some members of council and residents consider an issue with the proliferation of hair and nail salons – over 25 of them – in the borough. The response was to make hair, nail, and skin services a conditional use that would limit new applicants within 500 feet of an already existing similar business.
These ordinances do not apply to barber shops, hair salons or nail salons that are already existing in the borough. They would be considered a pre-existing nonconforming use.
But if a salon were to close down, anyone who wants to establish a new salon or move an already existing salon-type business to a new location in town, the applicant would have to go before the Municipal Land Use Board (MLUB) to get approval.
Not all members of the governing body were in support of the proposed laws. Mayor Carl Hokanson stated he would not deny a nail salon if they wanted to open up shop at any of the new proposed developments – such as Meridia along Westfield Avenue.
The three ordinances cover the three business districts in town that allow salons and specifically remove hair, nail and skin care services as an automatically approved business. Listed as North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Group 81211, it is proposed to be removed. It will be replaced as a conditional use if “the use is 500 linear feet between a similar use” and “the building space is 400 square feet or less.”
The ordinance will go before the MLUB tomorrow night for them to review and give recommendations – if any – before being voted on by the governing body at Thursday night’s municipal meeting. The public hearing and vote are scheduled during the May 17th Mayor & Council meeting which is set to start at 7 p.m. in council chambers of the Roselle Park Municipal Complex.
All three (3) ordinances are available below:
Download RP Ordinance 2524
Download RP Ordinance 2525
Download RP Ordinance 2526