Controversy Erupts Over American Dream Mall’s Sunday Operations
The American Dream mall located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is a unique destination offering indoor skiing, artificial surfing, thrilling roller coasters, and a variety of retail shopping. However, the mall is now facing a lawsuit from officials in nearby Paramus, which is turning heads and causing debate.
At the heart of the legal dispute is the claim that American Dream is violating long-standing county laws that prohibit the sale of nonessential items, like clothing and furniture, on Sundays. These laws, known as “blue laws,” have deep roots in New Jersey. They were originally instituted for religious reasons, but today, many believe they provide a crucial pause for local residents from the incessant noise and traffic associated with shopping near New York City.
Paramus is a well-known shopping hub in Bergen County, featuring several large malls and numerous retail stores. The local officials argue that nearly all other retail outlets in the county respect the blue laws by keeping their doors closed on Sundays — a practice that American Dream has seemingly neglected.
When American Dream opened in 2019, it was initially agreed that retail shops within the mall would remain closed on Sundays. However, a recent report revealed that many retailers had begun operating on Sundays since around January of this year, a move that has drawn the ire of local authorities.
The lawsuit, filed in state Superior Court, suggests that American Dream’s management has encouraged and allowed these retail violations, potentially leading to hundreds, if not thousands, of breaches against the county regulations.
In response, representatives from American Dream assert that Bergen County’s blue laws do not apply to them because the mall is situated on state-owned property. They argue that the legal actions being taken are more about local competitors trying to eliminate their advantage rather than a genuine concern for the law.
In a statement, American Dream dismissed the lawsuit as a “meritless political stunt.” However, Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza contends that American Dream made a clear commitment to adhere to the blue laws upon its opening. According to transcripts from a public hearing, a representative from the mall’s ownership had previously stated the laws would limit retail operations on Sundays to manage traffic.
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, also part of the lawsuit, expressed disappointment, citing that American Dream had assured him that they would adhere to Sunday closures before the mall’s grand opening. This lack of adherence, he claims, not only breaks the law but provides an unfair advantage to American Dream over other businesses that comply.
The lawsuit additionally names East Rutherford and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, although neither has commented publicly on the ongoing litigation.
Looking back, New Jersey’s blue laws were once more stringent, prohibiting not just commercial activities but even leisure pursuits on Sundays. Supporters believed that these measures held moral weight, ensuring that the Sabbath remained a day of rest and reflection. While many areas have moved away from such restrictions, Bergen County has stood firm, consistently voting to maintain these regulations.
In a time where personal freedoms and business interests frequently clash, this situation with the American Dream mall serves as a poignant reminder of the tension between modern commercial endeavors and traditional values. How this legal battle unfolds will likely influence the future of retail operations not just in New Jersey but also in other areas where similar laws exist.
As the dispute continues, citizens and local business owners alike are left to ponder the implications of one entertainment complex’s decision and its ripple effects throughout the community. What remains clear is that the conversation surrounding these blue laws is far from over, and it will be interesting to see how local governance and the demands of contemporary business practices evolve in tandem.
