BUSINESS AT A DISTANCE

Borough closing street to help small businesses, restaurants

KENNETT SQUARE » Kennett Square will join West Chester in blocking off a major street to pave way for an open-air marketplace, an effort to boost the economic fortunes of small businesses and local restaurants devastated by the coronavirus crisis the past couple of months.

Kennett Square council on Monday voted to close the 100 block of East State Street beginning Thursday, June 18. East State Street will close on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays beginning at 5 p.m. and ending Sunday at 10 p.m.

“This is a continuation in the re-opening of businesses in Kennett Square that will allow for social distancing and safe practices,” said Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick, who recommended the action. “All the businesses will be required to comply with the Pennsylvania state guidelines on reopening and Chester County Health Department safety requirements.”

By closing the street, Fetick said, the businesses will be able to expand their physical operations out onto the sidewalks so that pedestrians can access the street as a thoroughfare. It will allow for the businesses to expand their allowable capacity and support more customers.

Last week, West Chester

Borough Council voted unanimously to shut down Gay Street around the clock for four blocks, from Matlack to Darlington streets. There will be additional closures and north/south cross streets will stay open to vehicular traffic.

Concrete Jersey barriers will block traffic and motorists will be rerouted to Chestnut Street. A block of parking spaces will be eliminated on the south side of Chestnut Street approaching Matlack Street to facilitate two lanes of traffic. Added signage will advertise parking, including at borough owned garages.

In Kennett Square, the initial plan will be evaluated for its effectiveness with the potential to expand the closures and parking restrictions into additional blocks, Fetick said. Historic Kennett Square has been actively seeking the input of businesses on how the borough can most effectively support them during these times.

Last week, businesses in Kennett Square were permitted to operate within their property boundaries utilizing their parking

lots and available space to conduct business outside. Additional relief was also granted for temporary signage.

Borough officials have developed two financial initiatives to help local businesses. The first is a small business loan from the Borough’s Revolving Loan Fund. This loan of up to $10,000 allows for businesses to access a low cost loan to support their business operations. The loan is being administered by True Access Capital and all businesses are encouraged to apply. The borough has made available up to $500,000 for this loan program.

And Historic Kennett Square has initiated a grant program which is available to businesses within the Borough to support their ongoing operations. Grant applications are available through Historic Kennett Square and are available in both English and Spanish.

“We will continue to look for ways to support the business community and to assist wherever possible,” Fetick said.

The public is required to follow all state and local safety guidelines on social distancing and wearing masks.

SUBMITTED PHOTO State Street in Kennett Square will close Thursdays through Sundays to allow restaurants and small businesses to expand.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Although spacing won’t quite be this close like Third Thursdays in Kennett Square, State Street will be closed to motorists Thursdays through Sundays to permit small businesses and restaurants to utilize the space.