City launches dining, retail outdoor expansion program
KINGSTON, N.Y. » The city’s Dining and Retail Outdoor Expansion Program, which allows businesses to use public areas to create more space for their operations, is in effect, Mayor Steve Noble said in a press release.
The following businesses are currently in the program:
• Rough Draft Bar &
Books, 82 John St., which is using two parking spaces for tables.
• Stockade Tavern, 313 Fair St., which is using three parking spaces for outdoor dining.
• Ship to Shore Bistro, 15 W. Strand St., which is using four parking spaces for ex
panded outdoor dining, and Sunday road closure.
• Savonna’s Trattoria, 11 Broadway, which is using four parking spaces for expanded outdoor dining.
Alderman Douglas Koop, D-Ward 2, said in the release, “Uptown restaurants — and across Kingston — are slowly coming back to life.”
Added Alderman Don Tallerman, D-Ward 5, “As businesses have begun to take advantage of the expansion program, the City is still open to partially closing some streets to promote outdoor dining and open-air shopping.”
Additional businesses wishing to expand into public space should contact the mayor’s office to request specific areas, including parking stalls, street access or other common public space. They can send an email to rverspoor@kingston-ny.gov or call (845) 334-3902. Participating businesses will then be sent the city’s Dining and Retail Outdoor Expansion Program packet step-by-step guidance and health guidelines.
Any restaurant with a pre-existing permit to operate outdoor dining on its own property does not have to register with the mayor’s office, as long as the establishment meets all of the guidelines from the state Department of Health.
A survey for residents and participating business owners helped to inform this program. Results of both surveys can be found at https://engagekingston. com/open-streets-initiative.