Dining & Retail Outdoor Expansion
Consultation has concluded. Thank you to all who participated in our surveys. Your input has and will continue to inform the City's new Dining and Retail Outdoor Expansion Program!
After the City published the Open Streets Initiative surveys on EngageKingston in early June 2020, we launched a formal Dining & Retail Outdoor Expansion Program, which allows businesses to utilize public areas to create more physical space for operation.
Businesses wishing to expand into public space should contact the Building Department at 845-331-12-17 for more information. The application package can be found here: Sidewalk Cafe Application Packet.
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Open Streets Initiative surveys during the week of June 8th! The results from the public surveys are located in the documents box on the right side of the page.
Original Open Streets Initiative Project Description 06/08/2020:
Since the weather has perked up, everyone is especially eager to get out and about, and small businesses need to reopen their doors. At the same time, though, all of us must continue to be vigilant about staying safe.
The big question is, how do we enjoy our community, support our businesses, and still maintain social distancing?
Mayor Noble is now considering a plan that will safely boost not only our spirits, but also local economic activity. He's reviewing ideas for an Open Streets Initiative that will help our shops and restaurants get back to business this summer. And he'd like to hear from the community about the best way to make an initiative like this work.
On an Open Street, pedestrians replace cars, creating an opportunity for the community to come out, get some exercise, and do some shopping. Street fairs, festivals, and farmers markets are good examples of how Open Streets can be successful.
Now, with the State's phased reopening, it's time to be creative and bring this concept to a new level. Mayor Noble would like to establish regular days and hours, to begin in the next few weeks through Columbus day, during which business owners can set up shop and restaurants can serve customers outside on the streets.
With more room to spread out, this could be a chance for people to enjoy and support their local businesses while still maintaining proper social distance.
Whether you're a business owner, resident or visitor, we'd like to know what you think. Please take one of the surveys and/or offer suggestions in the Ideas box below.
We'd like to be up and running with our Open Streets in just a few weeks, so please provide your feedback today and spread the word!
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