In the desperate days of COVID, outdoor dining popped up as a way to help restaurants survive.
What began as a temporary town measure has become a popular permanent feature.
It’s especially institutionalized on Church Lane. The road has been closed every year since 2020. Musicians play, and tables fill the short stretch between Elm Street and Post Road East.
Summertime, on Church Lane.
Not everyone eats up the idea. Some merchants and residents — including nearby neighbors — oppose it. They cite the length of the clousre (mid-May to late October), the spillover effect on downtown traffic, and the loss of 16 parking spots.
This year, before submitting a request to the Board of Selectwomen, the Westport Downtown Association surveyed stakeholders.
An online survey drew 2,204 responses.
Over 2,000 — 92.24% — agreed that the closure of Church Lane is a benefit to the town during the summer, and something they would like to continue.
Responses were closer about closing the street in summer 7 days a week (69.96%) or only Friday 8 a.m. to Monday 8 a.m. (30.04%).
Another question asked for preferences for closure: May 1 to Octoer 15 (74.18%) or Memorial Day to Labor Day (25.82%).
However, after considering issues like the weather, and patronage before and after the traditional start and end of summer holidays, the WDA will request street closing only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Board of Selectwomen will make the final decision, at an upcoming meeting.
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Live music livens up weekends. (Photo/Dan Woog)