Owners of Sweet Amalia urge Pinelands Commission for a clear, timely path to reopen amid septic‑dilution dispute

Owners of Sweet Amalia told the Pinelands Commission during public comment that a multi‑year permitting process and strict septic dilution standards have left their seasonal, small business unable to reopen.

Edward Pappas (owner) said Sweet Amalia has worked with engineers and the commission staff since 2023 to reach compliance. He said advanced septic technologies that would meet the Pinelands nitrate dilution standard would cost "over half $1,000,000," an expense the owners said a small seasonal restaurant cannot absorb. Pappas said the applicants revised their application to include an adjacent lot and to scale seating to "approximately 22 seats" as a pragmatic interim approach, and requested a meeting with staff to identify pathways forward and possible financial or technical support.

Melissa McGrath (co‑owner) described the market and restaurant's role in the region and said the lengthy and uncertain process has harmed their business, staff and local suppliers. She asked for clarity and consistent timelines from the commission so the business can plan and reopen even at reduced capacity while pursuing a long‑term solution.

A representative of the Pinelands Alliance urged the commission to prioritize enforcement on a separate matter — an apparent 15‑acre clearcut in Franklin Township — noting concerns about possible slow‑walking of that enforcement because of a local official's ownership of the parcel.

Commission staff present in the meeting noted they had recently issued a review letter on the Sweet Amalia application and offered to meet with the owners to discuss options; no formal action was taken during the meeting.