East Rutherford, NJ — A legal battle has erupted over the American Dream mall, the massive entertainment and retail complex adjacent to MetLife Stadium, after officials in Paramus argued that the mall has been violating Bergen County’s blue laws by opening retail stores on Sundays.
Blue Laws at the Center of Dispute
The lawsuit, filed in state Superior Court, contends that American Dream’s retail stores are selling nonessential items—including clothing, appliances, and furniture—on Sundays, in defiance of a county law that has long restricted such commercial activity.
“These businesses, with the encouragement and support of the mall’s ownership and the acquiescence of the other defendants here, have violated the law hundreds if not thousands of times since January,” the suit states AP News.
New Jersey’s blue laws date back centuries and were originally rooted in religious tradition. While modern proponents emphasize the benefit to locals from reduced traffic and noise, enforcement has remained strict in Bergen County, a major shopping hub near New York City.
Promises vs. Reality
When American Dream opened in 2019, retailers were originally scheduled to close on Sundays, while the mall’s theme parks and entertainment attractions would remain operational. A NorthJersey.com report in January indicated that retail stores had been opening their doors on Sundays for nearly a year, contrary to the original plan.
Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza emphasized that American Dream had “promised on record” to comply with the county’s blue laws. A 2011 public hearing transcript reveals Tony Armlin, then Vice President of Development and Construction for Triple Five, stating that blue laws “prohibit our ability to have retail activities on Sundays,” citing concerns about traffic impact.
County Leadership Responds
Jim Tedesco, Bergen County Executive, said in a statement:
“They broke that promise. Their decision to operate retail on Sundays not only violates state statute, it gives them an unfair advantage over every other business in Bergen County that is following the law.”
The lawsuit also names East Rutherford and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) as defendants. Neither the NJSEA nor the state attorney general’s office commented, citing pending litigation.
American Dream’s Defense
In response, American Dream argued that Bergen County’s blue laws do not apply because the complex sits on state-owned property.
“The lawsuit is a meritless political stunt driven by private competitors’ interests,” the statement said.
Despite this, local officials maintain that compliance was promised prior to opening and that the mall’s retail activity on Sundays undermines other county businesses.
Historical Context
Originally, New Jersey’s blue laws were stricter, prohibiting not only business but also leisure activities and nonessential travel, in order to protect the Sabbath from commerce and recreation. While most counties have relaxed enforcement, Bergen County voters have repeatedly upheld the measures, which continue to exempt some essential services like grocery and drug stores.
This legal dispute raises questions about the balance between modern commerce and longstanding local regulations, especially in areas with heavy traffic and densely populated shopping districts.
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