Portland again closes streets to free up space for retail, restaurants
Photo / Tim Greenway
Cary Tyson, executive director of Portland Downtown, says nearly 60 restaurants and retailers have applied to use outdoor space in Portland.
Portland closed several downtown streets, effective Monday, to allow retailers and restaurants to expand into public spaces to gain more social distance during the pandemic.
Small businesses will be allowed to expand into areas such as the closed streets, the public right-of-way and parks, similar to a program last year. So far, 57 businesses have applied to participate.
“We’re excited the program is back. It brings a lot of vibrancy to downtown,” said Cary Tyson, executive director of Portland Downtown. “Seeing visitors and neighbors on the sidewalks, the parklets and enjoying the outdoor scene really activates our streets. It also provides the necessary spacing needed for COVID-19.”
The program applies to the entire city of Portland. Businesses seeking to participate should visit the city’s business licensing page.
The street closures, which will last until Nov. 1, affect all of Wharf and Dana streets, as well as Milk Street, between Exchange and Market streets. Fore Street, on the southeast side of Boothby Square, between Pearl and Silver will also be closed. Commercial vehicles may access those streets before 11 a.m. daily to make deliveries.
Traffic on Middle Street will be adjusted to one-way only to allow businesses to operate in the public right-of-way, similar to how it worked last year.
Exchange Street, which was closed last year, will remain open to traffic this year. Some merchants complained that last year’s closure of the street hurt their business. For example, the Paper Patch, a 51-year-old stationary retailer, closed last fall, citing the drop in foot-traffic along Exchange Street and the difficulty for customers to find parking amid the street closures.
“This applies to the whole city, not just the Old Port. So, you’ll be seeing outdoor dining and retail across the city. That will be good for the businesses and customers and help the neighborhoods thrive,” Tyson said.
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