Hi everyone. The Bookshop has posted an update (below) with some very encouraging news. First, I just want to thank everyone who signed the petition. The response was swift and strong—it certainly added some urgency to the process of resolving these issues—and it perfectly illustrated the immeasurable value of a thriving bookstore. All the good people who run Frenchtown's governing bodies deserve our gratitude as well. Their hard work and dedication often goes unnoticed, so if you get the opportunity, please thank them!

From Frenchtown Bookshop's Facebook page:

Here is a happy update about the Frenchtown Bookshop’s community event programming. Heartfelt thanks, again, for everyone who has supported the Bookshop and written so many kind words about what the Bookshop’s programs mean to Frenchtown. We are so moved by you!

As we expected, the Borough Mayor and Council have been working on a thoughtful and flexible approach to outdoor events in the Frenchtown business district, to accommodate all building owners, business owners, and residents. And, the Zoning Office has been very helpful in explaining the reasoning of its Cease and Desist Letter.

The Bookshop has had productive discussions with both the Borough and the Zoning Office. The bottom line: The only remaining zoning issue is outdoor “entertainment” events (the Zoning Office considers author readings and concerts, but not poetry readings or book clubs, to potentially be “entertainment”). And, the Borough has shared preliminary thoughts on a potential ordinance to allow outdoor events, subject to restrictions on number of events, volume, and time of day.

As background, the Cease and Desist Letter covered three issues: (1) No concerts or other "public assemblies" of any kind would be allowed (indoor or outdoor); (2) No events of any kind would be allowed outdoors; and (3) Indoor events would be allowed only if "normal and accessory to the retail sales use of the property."

The Zoning Office has given a very helpful explanation of the Cease and Desist letter. The Zoning Office's only concern is about outdoor "entertainment." If the Bookshop's author readings, films, or concerts are "entertainment," then they are allowed only indoors. What this means is that all of the Bookshop's indoor activities are allowed. The only issue is "entertainment" that takes place outdoors.

The Borough has circulated a preliminary outline of its proposed approach to outdoor events. Although the approach may change, the current outline is that events that are below 60Db (the level of ordinary conversation) will not be regulated. For events that exceed 60Db (i.e., concerts), there will be an "overall cap on the number" (not clear yet if this is per location or townwide) and a time cutoff (6PM Sat-Sun, 8PM all other days). That time cutoff can be extended by obtaining a permit. So, the Bookshop would be permitted to have outdoor events, but concerts will be subject to a maximum number and either a time cutoff or a town-approved waiver of the time cutoff. Since the Bookshop has only a small handful of outdoor concerts, weather permitting, during the summer, in early evenings, this may be a workable approach to allow the Bookshop's regular concert programming.

We will send updates as this moves forward. Kudos to the Mayor, Council, and Zoning Office for their careful and positive approach to these issues!