Martinez OKs Outdoor Dining, Retail For Main Street Merchants

MARTINEZ , CA— Merchants in downtown Martinez now have the opportunity to use portions of public sidewalks and streets fronting their businesses under the city's newly created "Downtown Martinez Temporary Outdoor Restaurant Seating/Retail Display Program."

The city and Main Street Martinez, after much consultation, chose Thursday, June 18 as the ideal start date for the extended weekend program. Outdoor retail displays and al fresco dining will be allowed four days a week on Main Street between Alhambra Avenue and Court Street, and on Estudillo from Marina Vista to Main Street.

Beginning June 18 until further notice, businesses with a permit can extend their operations outdoors from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sundays.

Planned street closures will not start until that time, city officials said Wednesday in an announcement about the new program.

Merchants who wish to participate in the outdoor dining and retail activity which became permissible Friday under the revised Contra Costa County public health order must apply for a temporary permit here. There is no fee for the application, and the city says completed applications submitted by noon Wednesday will be processed by Thursday of that same week.

The city says it will provide specific information on related street closures. Business deliveries planned or scheduled to occur within the program timeframe need to take into account reduced Main Street and/or Estudillo access, according to the city.

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