By Joshua Burd
The New Jersey Builders Association is praising Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to allow non-essential construction to resume in New Jersey, while pledging support for the guidelines included as part of the executive order that lifted the restriction.
Michael Canuso, who was recently sworn in as the NJBA’s president, said Thursday that the trade association “has been very appreciative of the governor’s balanced handling of the construction industry during this crisis.” The organization’s members are now eager to help restart the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, while adding that they will continue to follow the steps needed to ensure social distancing at construction sites.
“Our members take health and safety precautions extremely seriously and we are communicating that all the guidelines outlined in EO 142 must be followed to the letter,” Canuso said. “It’s crucial that we protect our fellow residents while we begin reopening a vital part of New Jersey’s economy and work to provide shelter for New Jerseyans.
“The building industry has consistently been a major driver of economic recoveries and we look forward to helping drive New Jersey forward again during this crisis.”
The organization has praised Murphy’s safety-first approach throughout the state’s response to the pandemic, even when he tightened restrictions on development by halting all non-essential construction on April 8. The executive order included exemptions that allowed some projects to continue and enabled builders to secure active construction sites.
The governor on Wednesday said non-essential construction would be allowed to resume starting 6 a.m. Monday, as he seeks to balance public health with the need to put New Jersey residents back to work. Non-essential retailers are also allowed to reopen, but only for curbside pickup.
