Edgartown’s inchoate European model for downtown avenues and restaurants came into focus on Tuesday, as town administrator James Hagerty aired various proposals that would close off streets, limit parking and allow for outdoor dining in the summer during the pandemic.
Edgartown’s inchoate European model for downtown avenues and restaurants came into focus on Tuesday, as town administrator James Hagerty aired various proposals that would close off streets, limit parking and allow for outdoor dining in the summer during the pandemic.
In a 27-slide PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Hagerty outlined the intricacies of four different street closure plans to an unusually large crowd of Zoom participants at the online Edgartown selectmen’s meeting. Each proposal involved varying degrees of restrictiveness, ranging from a proposal that would allow restaurants to simply serve food on any part of their outdoor property, to models that would shut down large portions of Main street for outdoor seating.
“It goes down the spectrum of how much effect it is going to have on town traffic, pedestrian traffic, and other town businesses,” Mr. Hagerty said.
Selectmen plan to decide on the proposals over the course of the next week, with a public hearing set for June 3.
The idea surfaced last month, after selectmen asked Mr. Hagerty to explore creative solutions for food supply concerns that could arise as summer approaches. The town has only one full-service grocery store and often experiences parking congestion downtown during July and August.
The governor’s reopening plan does not extend to restaurants until later phases, currently limiting them to take-out service only.
Mr. Hagerty said Tuesday that he had researched recent outdoor dining models from Boston, Amherst and Provincetown in preparation for Edgartown’s proposal.
“The genesis of this is the major concerns that we’re going to have with the Stop & Shop, with the through-put, and the general food supply and food chain throughout Edgartown as the summer moves forward, specifically in July and August,” Mr. Hagerty said.
The first model he presented would create about seven contiguous zones, or, as Boston is calling them parklets, throughout downtown that would serve as outdoor seating areas. The zones would include a space in the parking lot near Espresso Love, the grass next to the courthouse, the mini-park, Summer Street next to the Port Hunter, Winter street by Backyard Taco, the Kelley House and the stretch of lower Main street encompassing the Wharf and The Atlantic.
The second model would simply include no-vehicle traffic zones on Main Street, starting at the intersection of School, as well as a small section of North School and Summer streets. South Water street would also be turned into a north-running one-way street.
A hybrid version of the first two models would include nearly all the same contiguous zones for seating as well as blocking off a more compartmentalized area of downtown limited to the easternmost section of Main street.
Mr. Hagerty went through each restaurant in the town’s downtown B1 business district and showed a potential outdoor seating section that could be created without issuing anything other than an alteration of premises on the restaurant’s existing property.
“This is by no means the gospel,” he said. “But ultimately this starts a discussion about what direction we want to go in 30, 60, 90 days . . . It is going to be very different than in the past.”
He said details such as what the barriers would look like, how often and during what times the streets would be closed and logistical zoning concerns, such as liquor license alterations and permits to use public sidewalks, would all have to be hammered out.
While selectmen applauded the idea, a few restaurant owners voiced concerns. Michael Brisson, the longtime owner of l’etoile restaurant in Edgartown, said the limitations on vehicles and parking could create difficulties for takeout business — which has become the bread and butter for restaurants since the outbreak began, as well as safety issues and EMS access.
“I see serious issues with closing down the streets for outdoor dining,” Mr. Brisson wrote in a letter that Mr. Hagerty read during the meeting. “How will people get to restaurants downtown to get their curbside pickup takeout order.”
Mr. Brisson proposed having designated vehicle takeout zones to alleviate the problem.
Geoghan Coogan, speaking on behalf of The Wharf restaurant and Rockfish, said he liked the plan but felt that it would have to be a true partnership between the restaurants and towns to work. He added that the summer outlook remained dire regardless.
“No matter what you do, it’s certainly not going to save the season for us,” Mr. Coogan told selectmen. “If we can get a little space and can cut some losses, we’ll use it. But to what degree we’ll use it, I don’t know yet because of the limits.”
Others were more enthusiastic. Chef Joe Monteiro who works at Raw Oyster Bar thanked the selectmen for the plan and voiced his full support.
“I’m on board 100 per cent,” Mr. Monteiro said. “I think it’s a great idea.”
Mr. Hagerty said that the goal of the plan was to do the most the town could to facilitate businesses for the summer, and that it was important to think creatively.
“I don’t know if this is going to work,” Mr. Hagerty said. “But it’s a plan.”
In other business, selectmen heard a proposal to stage an open-air summer farmers’ market in the two parking lots adjacent to town hall.
Julia Tarka, a member of the Edgartown board of trade and owner of Rosewater Market and Takeaway, said safety protocols were adapted by people who run the West Tisbury farmers’ market.
“It seems that’s the way people are going to feel the safest shopping this summer,” Ms. Tarka said. “And would help with additional food capacity.”
Mr. Hagerty said he thought it was a creative solution to food concerns, and was in favor of the proposal as long as health agent Matt Poole and town counsel Ron Rappaport gave their blessing.
“This goes into that same initiative of, hey, let’s try to alleviate some of the pressure on Stop & Shop and try to make it work this summer,” Mr. Hagerty said. “I think ultimately it’s a good idea.”
PowerPoint presentation: edgartown-conceptualresturantplans-052620-01.pdf
Comments
I think the proposals to
Ric Smith Edgartown- Dallas, TXI think the proposals to allow outdoor seating and reduce vehicle traffic are really great. While sales will be reduced, the only way to social distance in downtown is to be able to walk on the streets. Maybe more people will walk or bike if they don’t have other operations, and perhaps the merchants rent some golf carts to transport those that can’t walk as easily from parking areas. While you are close on a golf cart, at least you are in open air and with a breeze.
No doubt this will be a
Cooper New JerseyNo doubt this will be a summer like none before but we plan on coming and spending our dollars to help the Vineyard economy. The island should open up with a common sense approach. Let the establishments decide how many people they can safely seat. I doubt there are as many people as you think that can’t wait to go to a crowded bar or restaurant.
Worthwhile ideas. Ric's idea
Lorraine EdgartownWorthwhile ideas. Ric's idea of golf carts shows possibilities. I would like to close off Edgartown to a lot of summer traffic for the summers, virus or not. I have seen the traffic encroach to such an extent I no longer feel safe riding my bicycle to get my mail and/or shop for small items at the markets, as I used to do. I am sure our wonderful village officials will come up with a good plan; they do a good job and I know they wish to help the merchants through this unusual time.
I think the EMS access issue
Mr. B ChilmarkI think the EMS access issue needs a response.
And -- don't forget EMS
Agree with Mr. B EdgAnd -- don't forget EMS access to the docks for any boat & swimming related mishaps.
This idea is dangerous and
Marie EdgartownThis idea is dangerous and how will a fire or ambulance be able to have access? Why can’t we use the farm and set up fair type food service with seating spread out. Sorry but no matter how you shake this most people will do take out or cook at home. If not we will have a number of new cases. Please stop trying to bring more people in small areas.
How about vehicles getting
New Englander Edgartown summerHow about vehicles getting off the Chappy ferry when lower Main Street would be closed? How would they exit the town?
It's a question for the
Frank Brunelle Vineyard HavenIt's a question for the planners. I believe that I can remove the facade of my commercial space and install folding glass doors and open it up entirely for dining so that there is no need for air conditioning, and this will make it safer by far for patrons - diners - but also - allow for a more vibrant experience. Would this be a good idea for those reasons, or not?
Sounds like people are gonna
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownSounds like people are gonna be 2 inches away from each other.I haven't been too concerned about this, but I wouldn't go into a big crowd when it's 90' outside, and they will be drinking and there goes their being cautious. Sounds like a recipe for disaster
At last, some response to CDC
Carol Ann Edgartown and Jupiter FLAt last, some response to CDC guidelines other than "CANCELED". Our eyes are glazing over with virtual this and that - it all has become a blur. That you for not hanging another "CLOSED" sign on the door.
Good for Edgartown for showing some creativity and compromise. Well done.
How about we let restaurants
EdHow about we let restaurants adapt themselves to the new normal and the landlords can either lower the rents or sit on vacant properties? I, like many people, prefer not to go downtown to eat, but rather to visit the shops and harbor. Are retail shops going to be encouraged to set up outside as well? It seems that letting the economics correct itself would only be of consequence to a small few landlords who control most of downtown Edgartown. A hands off approach by the town seems like the way to minimize risk for the public. People are safer when they get takeout to eat at their home. Maybe time for delivery service to be offered by restaurants that are truly viable.
I agree....Thank you...let
marie EdgartownI agree....Thank you...let the chips fall as they many this season. The store owners and restaurants can get creative with online and take out. Don’t take chances with our health.
"let restaurants adapt
Vicki Chilmark"let restaurants adapt themselves"
"letting the economics correct itself"
"hands off approach by the town"
No, Ed. We, both individuals and businesses, as members of society, must be guided by science, not economic corrections. Letting the free market police itself is not appropriate -- people will get sick and some will die. We have government officials -- national (not), state, local -- for a reason, and they are especially important for times like these. Even if they make mistakes or choose approaches you don't like, someone has to be in charge. Rules must be made and followed, and we cannot ad hoc decide these things individually. I applaud the hard work by Edgartown officials, and all the towns!!
Speak up, make your views known, but ultimately follow the carefully established rules and guidelines designed to keep us safe.
Vicki, I think you
EdVicki, I think you misunderstood my comment, or maybe I wasn’t clear. I don’t think restaurants should police themselves at all. I just don’t think the town needs to go so far to accommodate them. I don’t think the restaurant industry has been good for workers or even for some owners. If it was up to me we’d only have takeout and a staff would be paid a living wage. I think the town would be better served helping businesses that are not so volatile. And I’m pretty sure the science would confirm that restaurant workers endure a high rate of exploitation and substance abuse and addiction. Then there is the tax evasion rampant in cash businesses.
i love the idea. good for
molly katama palm beach gardens fli love the idea. good for edgartown for trying
Many places here have simply
Carol Ann Edgartown and Jupiter FLMany places here have simply raised the cost of meals that come with socially distanced table service. People who want to go out are willing to pay. Let them.
I live on Chappy which has
Carolann Summit, NJI live on Chappy which has its own set of challenges trying to drive from the point to downtown Edgartown and beyond. If the streets downtown are closed off for diners, how would cars get off the On Time ferry and move about? Or would we have to self-isolate on Chappaquiddick for the summer?
Perhaps we could supply
Ralf Pirozzi/Resortman EdgartownPerhaps we could supply transportation from the park and ride to the different restaurants -looping back and forth
Give me a call 617-435-0494
Honestly, it’s going to be a
Pete Radigan Naples FlHonestly, it’s going to be a takeout world for the near term. We have little desire to fight more limited parking to dine on a closed street.
I would like to opine one
Pete Radigan Naples FlI would like to opine one more time. The plans are creative which I applaud. But parking is a constant issue and this only makes it worse. I would suggest finding parking areas and run shuttles to the downtown if these plans or a variation there of are approved
The summer is going to be a
ECS Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownThe summer is going to be a disaster economically; any Vineyard 'seasonal people haters' want to offer a comment? Its nice to see Mr. Hagerty emerge with creative ideas, as in plural, and not trying to jam anything down anyone's throat. Great job!
I agree with Loraine, more pedestrian, golf cart & bicycle considerations for downtown edgartown, permanently. Ft Lauderdale closed one of two north bound lanes to vehicles and it was very popular and many would like to see it continued. Our outside eating is definitely limited by access issues.
With regard to S&S, even with a lower island summer head count, their sales will probably not suffer much year over year as people will be cooking more at home. My understanding is that grocery stores are experiencing higher food volumes so there needs to be some planning on this issues.
We're planning on visiting
RRKWe're planning on visiting from June 19-26 and will NOT cancel. MV economy needs us! Am ready to spend money on the Island! Although things will look a lot different (upstairs at the Shanty?) :( visitors should still come and support the Vineyard economy in any way we can.
Everyone stay smart with mask
Mr Delano Edgartown MaEveryone stay smart with mask and hand washing this summer. Try your best to stay 6 feet apart and set up your facilities in a logical & safe way. There will be some trial and error since this is all new. Patience with each other and lets get creative and tackle this Summer as best we can with the lord on our side. God Bless
How about putting tables at
EdHow about putting tables at the mini park and Memorial wharf and have restaurants share the burden of sanitizing between uses and policing social distancing? Let people get takeout and bring it there themselves. Like a “food court” model. It is a great and safer atmosphere. I believe this is the future of dining in the COVID era, might as well accept it and help restaurants and other businesses adapt. The days of $175 dinner for two in a stuffy dining room are gone. Good riddance
Real planning starts with the
Davey W. TisburyReal planning starts with the number of available hospital beds.
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