In the worst days of the pandemic, restaurants were in peril.
Sitting indoors, a foot or two away from strangers, was the last thing on anyone’s plate.
Outdoor dining saved the day. The timing was right — spring and summer — and Westport acted quickly. All over town, socially distanced tables sprang up on sidewalks and in parking lots.
One of the most successful spots was Church Lane. The Board of Selectmen voted to close the road, from Elm Street to the Post Road. Spotted Horse and nearby restaurants put tables in the street. On weekends, musicians played.
Eating out was one of the few activities residents could enjoy. It was a rare COVID joy.
Outdoor dining on Church Lane. (Photo/Dan Woog)
In the years that followed, the closure of Church Lane became an annual tradition. The time frame lengthened, from May 1 through October 15.
In good weather, tables — of Spotted Horse, Pink Sumo, and last year the new Blondinit — were filled.
But other times, they were not.
Some merchants were happy with the foot traffic, and the relaxed, traffic-free ambiance. Others were unhappy to lose 16 parking spaces, in front of their stores.
Some drivers disliked the lack of easy access to the Post Road, through Church Lane.
No cars meant kids could dance in the street. (Photo/Jordan Schur)
As the 6th summer approaches, the Westport Downtown Association — the group that first requested the Church Lane closure, and which has managed it since 2020 — wants to hear public opinion, before requesting approval by town bodies.
The WDA has developed a 5-question survey. It asks:
- How often do you typically visit Church Lane when it is closed? (Daily, weekly, monthly, rarely, never)
- Do you believe the closure of Church Lane is a benefit to the town during the summer months, and something you would like to contineu? (Yes, no)
- Would you prefer Church Lane to remain closed 7 days per week throughout the summer, or only Friday morning 8 a.m. to Monday morning 8 a.m. to allow for parking during the week?
- The current Church Lane closure is from May 1 to October 15. Do you like this timing, or would you prefer only during the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day?
- Please provide some information about yourself (Single, family with children, empty nester).
The survey is comprehensive, clear and quick. It’s a proactive approach to a Westport lifestyle issue that has impacted many.
Click here to take the survey. “06880” will report the results — and follow up on the final decision by the WDA and town officials on what’s next, this summer, for Church Lane.
Weekend music on Church Lane. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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