Norwalk Installs Road Barriers To Increase Outdoor Dining Areas

NORWALK, CT — In an effort to help local restaurants during Phase 1 of Norwalk's and Gov. Ned Lamont's reopening plans, the city began placing road barriers on Washington Street on Thursday to increase outdoor dining and retail space.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling announced the move on Wednesday. The concrete barriers are being placed along the south side of the street to allow the full use of the sidewalk for outdoor dining and retail, more than doubling the available space for businesses.

"My team and I have been working diligently to develop policies and find new creative ways to help our local businesses during this pandemic," Rilling said on Wednesday. "I am happy that more than 25 businesses have already secured their outdoor dining and retail permits. We're expediting applications as I know residents are eager to support their favorite places."

Many restaurants and businesses have been closed since March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Lamont's guidelines, retail shops and offices must only allow 50 percent of capacity, and restaurants can serve customers via outdoor dining tables. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

On the north side of Washington Street, all the parking spots will be free 15-minute parking in an effort to further support businesses along the street. City officials will continue to work with these businesses to maximize available space.

Rilling said that Washington Street cannot be completely closed or temporarily made to only accommodate one-way traffic, due to safety concerns and the duration of the expanded outdoor dining and retail areas. The street has been closed in the past for the SoNo Arts Festival, but that event only lasts for a weekend.

Fire apparatus need to use Washington Street to reach the buildings, according to Rilling, as access is limited from other areas. Norwalk Transit District buses, however, will be re-routed for the summer to use Hanford Place, which is parallel to Washington Street.

Businesses on the south side of Washington Street that wish to use the expanded sidewalk space will need to submit revised outdoor dining and patio plans to Planning and Zoning before additional tables are permitted, officials said. Updated plans can be submitted to Bryan Baker at BBaker@norwalkct.org. Setbacks will still be required for fire hydrants, but not for trees and other sidewalk obstructions.

Additionally, to help keep the public informed, officials will post a daily updated list of businesses that have been granted outdoor dining permits and are open to customers. As a bonus, Norwalk's Director of Business Development & Tourism, Sabrina Church, is sharing some of her favorite menu items as well. The public can view the most up-to-date information at norwalkct.org/outdoordining.