Selectmen are exploring a European model for Main street this summer, with an eye on shutting down portions of the town’s narrow sidewalks, roads and parking lots.
Edgartown selectmen are exploring a European model for Main street this summer, with an eye on shutting down portions of the town’s narrow sidewalks, roads and parking lots to increase outdoor seating for restaurants and ease pressure on grocery stores.
At the Edgartown selectmen’s meeting Monday, town administrator James Hagerty proposed the idea to the board, saying that as summer approached he felt it was important to brainstorm a solution to the constant supply-chain issues at the Edgartown Stop & Shop.
Since Governor Baker shut down nearly all non-essential businesses in late March, including dine-in restaurants, the town’s only full-service grocery store has struggled to keep up with an increase in demand. While most produce items remain regularly in stock, necessities like eggs, milk and bread, among other items, have experienced shortages. Mr. Hagerty feared that the onset of summer would only perpetuate those concerns.
One solution to alleviate supply-chain pressure on the grocery store would be to ensure that restaurants were open and serving customers to the fullest extent possible when the governor’s stay-at-home order ends, Mr. Hagerty said.
But because the governor is expected to limit indoor seating capacity, Mr. Hagerty proposed making up for lost capacity with increased outdoor seating, gleaning an idea from the piazzas and squares of Paris and Rome. If the governor limits restaurant capacity to 20 per cent, for example, then the town could add 80 per cent capacity outdoors, Mr. Hagerty said.
“Set this summer in a European framework,” he said. “Shut down portions of sidewalks, parking lots and have outdoor seating with chairs.”
He said many logistical questions remain, including how to provide easements to restaurants for outdoor seating, but if selectmen were open to the idea, he would be happy to pursue those details.
“I understand that this is an outside-the-box idea and might ruffle some feathers, but I think we need to think boldly about this,” Mr. Hagerty said.
Selectmen were enthusiastic and encouraged Mr. Hagerty to explore the idea further — and with expediency.
“Getting the restaurants open is vital,” selectman Arthur Smadbeck said. “We’re going to have thousands of people coming to the Island. There’s no way we can just feed them with the Stop & Shop.”
Before anything, however, Mr. Hagerty said he had to reach out to the restaurants and find out what was on their menus, so to speak. “The first question is to even ask the restaurants if they have an appetite for that,” Mr. Hagerty said.
Selectmen also gave him the green light to assemble a reopening task force that would hammer out details and specifics as the town considers the summer. He said the task force would include members of the Edgartown Board of Trade.
“If people don’t go to the restaurants, they aren’t going to go to the stores. If they don’t go to the stores, they aren’t going to come to the harbor,” Mr. Hagerty said. “And if they don’t come to Edgartown . . . there are second and third order effects.”
Comments
This sounds like a nice idea
Marie WThis sounds like a nice idea and something you might consider even after we are through this pandemic. How will handicap people get to the places they want to go?
I'm handicapped, and I trust
Pia Webster EdgartownI'm handicapped, and I trust that the town administrator and selectmen are going to figure out a way that I can get around safely this summer, while implementing this marvelous plan to open up our restaurants. This was Mr. Hagerty's first iteration of a very promising proposal. Give these folks a chance to fine-tune it.
I worked 5 month seasonal Al
Tony EdgartownI worked 5 month seasonal Al Fresco dining areas for 800 that were set up at CalTech, with outdoor tented kitchen that were BOH inspected, all refers and electric. It would be easy to do outdoor dining plazas, spread out in open areas all over the island, that would feature a few different restaurants at each newly formed PLAZA.
City of Manhattan Beach is
Phil Schneider Los AngelesCity of Manhattan Beach is talking about doing a similiar thing. Great idea and gives the restaurants more ability to seat more people for dining etc.
This has potential with
Josephine Nappi NYThis has potential with thought and a detailed plan it could work
Love this idea!!!
Molly KatamaLove this idea!!!
Great idea. I hope it can be
Jenny Lavey Beverly Hills, CAGreat idea. I hope it can be done.
Love this idea!! Oak Bluffs
CH OBLove this idea!! Oak Bluffs could do something similar with Circuit Avenue.
The sidewalks on Circuit aren
Bijan C Bayne WashingtonThe sidewalks on Circuit aren't wide enough f/ that- and there isn't enough space between businesses. Only The Sweet Life really has much outside seating, beyond Nancy's down the street. In July & Aug., there's scarcely enough room f/ PEDESTRIANS on Circuit.
I think that much of this is
Mr. B ChilmarkI think that much of this is wishful thinking. I strongly suspect that people are going to avoid crowds and crowded places and try to find some relatively safe isolation in an attractive setting--if they come at all.
Mr B, you can tell that to
Jennifer EDGMr B, you can tell that to all the people who are enquiring about renting my house in August....
This is an excellent idea as
John Hess EdgartownThis is an excellent idea as long as it does not affect All EMS, year round fisherman, deliveries of food and providing access for those who are incapacitated to walk 4 blocks.
I wonder how many people one
Kindur Oak BluffsI wonder how many people one undiagnosed server could unknowingly infect? Doesn't matter if the tables are outside or how far they're separated, the staff is the weak link in this equation.
Don't you mean one
ACK NantucketDon't you mean one undiagnosed customer? Employees will be scrutinized and provided with safety equipment and training. Customers will not.
Restaurant Grounds / Lawns
MV Cooker EdgartownRestaurant Grounds / Lawns are another area to physically distance tables. Weather permitting. I'm thrilled to hear the Town of Edgartown's positive attitude to get the restaurants open. Kudos!
What about encouraging
K.Spear New HampshireWhat about encouraging restaurants to allow patrons to pick up some grocery items direct from the restaurant as well? In rural towns where they’re having the same issue this has been a huge service and such a nice treat to buy direct from local farms and distributors already sourcing restaurants. Many are even doing it at cost or with minimal markup. Grabbing some takeout and a bag of flour or dining outside and getting a carton of eggs at checkout can make a world of difference I. alleviating supply chain issues and supporting small businesses. I don’t think the locals in my area will let restaurants go back to not enabling these add ons - we’re spoiled now!
Great idea! If no one is able
Heather NyGreat idea! If no one is able to park in town, just make sure the bus system is still running. I read they had already reduced service for the summer.
As a life long summer visitor
Robin Devon, PAAs a life long summer visitor, I love this idea and thinking outside the box to help the businesses and restaurants. The issue of parking and getting to downtown needs to be carefully thought through. You can run shuttles, but if distancing is still in place, that would severely limit how many can ride at one time. A difficult situation, but good that you are planning now.
Sounds like a great idea.
Diane NJ (and 3x/ year MVY visitor)Sounds like a great idea.
I have rented a home in Edgartown for last 2 weeks of August and mid-October: has it been decided that visitors like myself will be welcome this summer ?
Seems like this question is still unclear.
I have vacationed on MY for 25+ years straight and would hope to get there this year.
Thanks to the Board and
fact checker edgThanks to the Board and administrator for being proactive. This is a solution to keep business alive and allow a safe food supply.
When we see how the infection
Mike Cunningham EdgartownWhen we see how the infection spread in Italy and France, what could possibly go wrong? Large hotels are like cruise ships. Will the "hundreds of thousands of people" self-quarantine for 14 days? A national guard presence is needed at the Steamship to reinforce the State Police and keep out non-residents this summer.
Good luck keeping owners of
Seriously? ChilmarkGood luck keeping owners of their vacation property from visiting. Doesn't matter if they are a resident or not, if they own a property they are certainly welcome since they are paying taxes on it!
I am hoping that this comment
Jason EdgartownI am hoping that this comment is designed to be sarcastic, but I don't think so. While we are at it, why not also shred what's left of our constitution? There is no legal basis for limiting freedom of movement across states and regions. None. By your logic, should we also keep MV residents from coming to the mainland and start enforcing this with a police presence? Your suggestion sounds more like China where people are restricted from moving across provinces, than the United States. I prefer the United States, with all of the messiness that comes with democracy and our liberties. When this pandemic is finally over, we may find that our largest loss from this event will not be economic, but the loss of liberties which so many people appear to willingly trade away for "safety." Remember, a country without our liberties will not be safe either. Just ask those who live in China or any police state.
My question to the town, if
Shane EdgartownMy question to the town, if your major concern is to alleviate stop and shop from supply and demand issues, then why won’t the town allow essential food businesses to open? There are businesses waiting to open to serve the Island and provide essential food to the public, yet the town is ignoring request for inspections and not bothering to communicate what is going on. And I might add, many of the businesses waiting to open employee island residents or buy product from local businesses i.e. farms, fisherman, etc. I’m concerned the truth behind the towns motivations are fueled by financial aspects rather than necessities for the island community. Of course we all want the restaurants to open and provide meals but there seems to be limited talk about other businesses.
Sounds like a great idea but
Di Valentine CT - Summer VacationerSounds like a great idea but where will folks park? The parking is a challenge even without social distancing.
Mike, that is never going to
Pat Bateman Vineyard HavenMike, that is never going to happen. You can't keep people out like that, this is not a cold war border crossing in East Berlin. The people are coming, weather is warming up, the restaurants deserve a fighting chance to open.
Mask up, stay distant, wait and see what happens.
Nice that we are starting to
Marie EdgartownNice that we are starting to think outside the box as a town. I feel this would be a disaster. How could you serve the food with people walking all around. How about opening our parks and farm areas for food trucks and live entertainment . One summer long fair situation with plenty of parking. Downtown areas are just to close in my opinion. Let’s all keep thinking but in the end maybe the reality is to have an old fashion summer with limited resources.
Congrats for those thinking
Lorraine EdgartownCongrats for those thinking outside the box. As one comment noted, one infected server could jinx the entire plan. There is no way to know who is infected. Many people in Edgartown have been using their second homes for generations, these are different from the two week renters. If one is tested, comes to the island for an entire summer season, that is a completely different kettle of fish from a two week renter. How do we differentiate? I am all for opening things so people do not go broke; I like the idea that local government officials are willing to brain storm and come up with ideas. There are a few unintended consequences I can see right now from this plan. I am in no way throwing cold water on the plan, just bringing up a few items. Stay well, stay calm and carry on...this, too, will pass.
Great to see the town be
Mark EdgartownGreat to see the town be proactive and support small businesses. Looking forward to the restaurants opening and planning on patronizing.
Great idea. Also, more food
David VHGreat idea. Also, more food trucks please
This is what my town is
Shari Falchiere KatamaThis is what my town is planning for now so the restaurants can stay in business. Our restaurants are also providing the service of selling meats, fish veggie packages in a larger quantity to avoid shopping all the time. It has made everything easier for everyone while supporting our local businesses and helping them stay in business.
It’s funny several posters
Andre C.It’s funny several posters are trembling at the idea of “an infected server” when the fear should be in the other direction. It’s the servers who will likely get sick as they would be exposed to dozens or hundreds of people each day. Often they come from Eastern European countries and bunk many to a rental property — as occurs in so many seasonal resort towns. Then the social-economic disparities of who exactly gets ill and suffers most from will also spread to MV. So the workers’ health seems much more at risk — if they can even be found and convinced to come to a tiny crowded island.
This should be a permanent
John ChappaquiddickThis should be a permanent change, a great way to reimagine the town and move away from car centric culture. Maybe the parking lot near the memorial wharf/chappy ferry is transformed into a green space? It's a shame that our downtown has 2 parking lots and very little water font space accessible to the public. The town is smart to use this crisis as an opportunity to rethink our downtown environment, and I think they should anticipate lasting interventions that make our town more inviting to locals/visitors/summer people/etc.
“Outside the box” thinking
Rev Richard DenUyl Edgartown“Outside the box” thinking is in the DNA of our Country. I love this! Go for it, or some version of it!
I own at the Harborside Inn
John Jaronczyk NYI own at the Harborside Inn and hope they open the Vineyard. Love visiting there and outdoor seating would be a very good and safe idea.
very optimistic. I haven't
mike edgartownvery optimistic. I haven't had a cancellation, YET. but I totally expect all of my twelve weeks to be cancelled. .......
How will people access retail
OB Resi Oak BluffsHow will people access retail shops if the sidewalks and roads are full of tables? How will people continue to socially distance as they dodge outdoor diners in the streets trying to access retail shops? Is the plan to keep retail closed while restaraunt open? Outdoor seating is definitely safer than indoor but in addition to parking issues it seems that we’re potentially sacrificing some businesses (retail) for the sake of others (restaurants) with this model. Just thinking about the current width of the roads, the number of restaurants, the number of retails shops, the need to space tables appropriately, and the need to provide a pathway / walkway spaced far enough away from the tables to adequately socially distance all while continuing to provide access to retail storefronts seems near impossible.
Here is one more out of the
Jason EdgartownHere is one more out of the box idea: How about restaurants being able to set up tables and chairs on the high school fields for dinner and perhaps even lunch. The HS has parking and lots of open space, and is a destination different than the downtown which will help with congestion. And we know that the field will not be used for the Sharks this summer. Of course, many menus will need to be altered to make this work, but perhaps this could be accommodated with food trucks, catering trucks or mobile cooking stations not unlike many caterers use. Further, walking paths could be put down to accommodate customers who will be walking in and who need ADA access. And given the amount of property we are talking about, social distancing should not be a significant factor. Yet another destination where this could happen is the field in West Tisbury where the annual fair is held. The towns that own these properties could set up temporary lease arrangements and ensure existence of adequate insurance coverages by restaurants.
it could work. but my
annieit could work. but my concern is about restrooms. after all, it needs to be considered. it's always been an issue, even in "normal" seasonal times, but even if we have half the amount of visitors as usual, will there be attendants to disinfect the washroom facilities and public restrooms after each use?
Restaurants will only be open
Sylvia EdgartownRestaurants will only be open for take-out this summer. Got to be realistic. But it would be great to keep cars out of edgartown in the summer. Bus tourists in from the hs
Interesting idea. One
Edgartown Guy EdgartownInteresting idea. One suggestion. We’ve learned that The Kelley House is highly flammable and fire responders can be credited with saving that historic structure many times in recent years. I would avoid shutting down first responder access to that popular crowded structure. I don’t see our volunteer firefighters dragging hoses from the park and ride. I don’t want to see our fire or EMT responders having to decide in an instant if they should drive through the tables, sirens blaring, knowing a few won’t be able to get out of the way...should we have an emergency. Of course those are the triage decisions medical professionals have been making elsewhere and we’ll have to make here if Amity decides to encourage tourism this season.
Edgartown Guy, right you are.
Lorraine EdgartownEdgartown Guy, right you are. We have to make sure Edgartown Village is protected by first respond people and machines. We cannot have the village streets clogged with tables and seating and diners....sidewalks are one thing, I see a problem with traffic in the village with take out meals by the many restaurants down town. There is a way to handle this and we have good people in Edgartown who care for the village and its people. They do a jam up and jelly tight job year round and I know they can brainstorm this one....stay well, people, and use best practices as we know them now.
As part of the National Main
Jane EdgartownAs part of the National Main Street program 40 years ago, we tried to convince the town to make (lower) Main Street pedestrian from 10:00 am on each day... just like Europe’s center cities and small towns. This would be a good test for the future, too . If you enjoy walking unfettered in Europe and Central and South America, you’d love it here in the summer
Jane, good idea all around.
Lorraine EdgartownJane, good idea all around. We must make sure that the streets are clear for first responders.,..also, closing down the Lower Main Street area will require a change in traffic pattern. Can be done, but changes are necessary.
Here’s another concept for
Barbara Feinstein EdgartownHere’s another concept for food/restaurant/parking that I experienced last year when I attended a temporary restaurant on a farm. It was a wonderful experience and could perhaps be a jumping off point for an additional solution. Please read link to past Vineyard Gazette article for more information:
https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2018/07/26/making-it-local
I think this a horrible idea.
Oak Bluffs resident Oak BluffsI think this a horrible idea. Why not have the seasonal restaurants learn from what the year-round ones have learned about how to successfully operate take out windows and curb-side service? I'm curious how it's going to be safe to have customers, without masks on for obvious reasons, ordering from and receiving drinks and food from a server, not to mention how many hands will be touching everything that they then touch and vise versa. I'm also curious about where these seasonal workers are going to be coming from. Please, islanders, do not comment that finally our local kids will finally be able to get jobs. There hasn't been a shortage of jobs on this island is years and years. This is why it's necessary to have J students travel here for the season. I'm guessing that there is no way that is going to happen this summer. Please, lets take some time to see what happens as we are still in a dire place as far as Corona is concerned. This just seems like a recipe for disaster meant to enable the seasonal restaurants to open and make money. I understand this is an important goal but not at the expense of all the people on the island, visiting or otherwise. Allow to-go alcohol sales, temporarily, to help with the restaurants' bottom line and get take-out and head to a park or the beach.
Outdoor dining is widely
Tom J. Naples, FL & EdgartownOutdoor dining is widely practiced in Naples, FL where restaurants have recently (5/4/20) reopened to 25% capacity indoors and 6’ social distancing outdoors. Where it’s practical some restaurants have been able to extend their outdoor presence. Many restaurants have been offering take-out since the crisis began and some are selling limited produce, meats etc. with online/curbside ordering thus benefiting the public, the restaurants, their suppliers and local farmers.
Given Edgartown’s very limited road access to downtown, closing lower Main Street may be too extreme. However, opening up some available parking spaces would be very helpful to ease congestion and the circling effect of parking seekers. For instance: Allow public parking in the “Visitor Center” parking lot on Church St. where neither Visitors nor residents are allowed to park. (Who can park here?) Require downtown Town employees and retail workers to park at the school or other areas outside of downtown and open up the lot next to Town Hall. Limit the parking restrictions at the Courthouse to 8am to 5pm.
As another thought, allow the Edgartown Cinema (since they have access to films) or another party if they’re not interested, to operate a portable drive-in movie theatre in the grammar school parking lot (or elsewhere). Inflatable and other types of screens are available for this purpose.
Love the idea of the drive in
Annie EdgartownLove the idea of the drive in...let's put it at the high school....maybe on the sports fields.
Use the parking lots behind court house, town hall for picking up take out food. Use lower main and north water as well as the other parking lots for outside dining.
It sounds like a fun idea...
Paul Condlin EdgartownIt sounds like a fun idea... it never hurts to try. Isolate Main Street between N. Summer & N. Water and reverse the one way on S. Water between Cooke and Main. If it doesn't work as planned initially... either tweak it or say we tried.
Paul, good idea. As a
Lorraine EdgartownPaul, good idea. As a village center resident, I pondered the traffic situation, but your idea seems to work, why not? We hire the summer young people anyway, station them and others at the nerve centers as old habits die hard, direct the traffic and voila!! a new plan. And, you are right, if it does not work, reverse it, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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