Regardless of Cronin’s permission, State law requires 2′ of space between curb and any object so that cars can open doors:
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/publicat/pdf/PedComp/pedaccomodating.pdf
Where sidewalks are adjacent to a parking lane, an additional 0.6 meters (2 feet) of width is required to compensate for the opening of car doors.
