SUMMIT, N.J., October 1, 2019 – The City of Summit is announcing two public workshop meetings for proposed ordinances restricting the use of single-use plastics on Monday, October 7 and Thursday, October 17. Two sessions will be conducted each day from 7AM to 9AM and 6PM to 8PM. The Monday, October 7 meeting will be held in the Whitman Community Room at City Hall on 512 Springfield Ave. in Summit. The Thursday, October 17 workshops will be held at the Summit Community Center on 100 Morris Ave. in Summit. Representatives from interested businesses, property owners and residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
The single-use plastics restrictions would be a combination of three proposed ordinances for introduction at the November 6 Common Council meeting with a public hearing and opportunity for comments on November 18. The first ordinance would prohibit use of single-use plastic bags by businesses at the point of purchase. The second ordinance is a ban on polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) food containers. The third ordinance would limit businesses to provide plastic straws only upon request by customers. There are proposed exemptions outlined in each of the three ordinances.
During the workshop sessions, city and elected officials will be present to answer questions and obtain input from the business and residential communities on the development of the ordinances.
“These proposed restrictions on single-use plastics like other initiatives undertaken by the city need to be an inclusive process,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “Before ordinances are considered by Common Council, it is imperative that we gather community feedback. Please consider attending a workshop session on October 7 or October 17.”
If unable to attend a workshop session and to share an opinion on the proposed ordinances, email summitdcs@cityofsummit.org
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