‘It’s empty everywhere you go’
GREENWICH — Greenwich and its world-famous shopping district has been called many things in its 350-year history, but “ghost town” has not been one of them.
But that term has been applied to Greenwich Avenue, as the central business district has experienced a marked drop-off in traffic and business activity as the coronavirus outbreak keeps residents and visitors from their daily activities.
A motorist driving down Greenwich Avenue could park anywhere on Friday afternoon, when empty spaces are usually hard to come by. The hustle and bustle of the Avenue was reduced to a thin trickle, and a bowling ball dropped at the top of the Avenue might make its way down the entire commercial corridor without striking a vehicle.
“I’ve never see anything like this in my lifetime. It’s unbelievable,” said Ken Muller, a retired airline pilot and lifelong resident. “It’s like out of a Stephen King movie. It’s strange.”
Many stores are closed on the Avenue, and restaurants are offering takeout service only. The usual lunchtime crowds, with diners enjoying al fresco meals in sidewalk cafes, are all gone. The commuter parking lots are empty, as well. Most of the pedestrians out on the street were there for exercise or fresh air, not business or dining.
“It’s like a ghost town,” said Matthew Murphy, owner of Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home, which has been at the same location on the Avenue since 1906. “It is eerie. But
it’s empty everywhere you go, the turnpike has very few cars, too.”
Normally, Murphy sees delivery trucks making stops all day along the Avenue. But he said he saw only a single delivery truck on Friday.
Ellen Borker of Greenwich took her two kids out for food in the downtown district, to add some economic vitality to the business community during the severe disruption. Borker said she feels it is important to support local businesses, especially during the downturn caused by coronavirus and government directives to stay home.
“We’re trying to do our part,” she said, “We feel especially bad for the employees at the stores. We like small businesses in our town, and we have to support them.” She and her family member stopped by a number of eateries on the Avenue and got food and beverages to go.
Fender-benders and other traffic snags in central Greenwich have also taken a downward turn.
“There has been a reduction in all motor vehicle accidents, when compared to same time last year and last month,” said Lt. Mark Zuccerella. The trafficcontrol officers who usually director motor-vehicle have not been deployed in recent days.
One dog-walker out on the Avenue expressed wonder at the quiet sight along Greenwich Avenue and elsewhere. “Never seen anything like this,” said Isiah Thomas, who played for the Detroit Pistons and coached the New York Knicks in the NBA.
Still, Thomas said, it was a positive sign that residents are following publicsafety guidelines by staying home and not gathering in groups.
“People are doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” he said, “So that’s a good thing.”