Lynn city leaders need to move quickly and imaginatively to help local restaurants capitalize on Gov. Baker’s plan to allow outdoor dining beginning on June 8.
Coronavirus devastated the restaurant industry with social distancing edicts that shut them down or forced them to survive on takeout business. Allowing restaurants to reopen with precautions and limited hours is a step forward and an opportunity to take advantage of the improving late spring weather.
With imagination and a streamlined inspection and oversight process, outdoor service can spring up across Lynn. Sidewalks, parking lots — even stretches of street — can become innovative dining areas in compliance with the governor’s reopening restrictions.
Why not close down Sutton Street between Liberty Street and Central Avenue and allow RF O’Sullivan’s and Rossetti Restaurant to serve diners in the street? Tables and umbrellas could also be set up to allow nearby Taqueria Dona Julia to also serve food on Sutton.
Ditto on Oxford Street: Shut it down to give The Blue Ox, Enzo’s and Casa Antigua some much-needed space.
Use these vital establishments in downtown’s heart as a test case for trying outdoor dining and, if it works, branch out to other areas of the city.
For instance, Munroe Street between Washington Street and Central could be closed to allow Tacos Lupita to provide outdoor seating with plenty of space for social distancing.
With schools closed and traffic volume still below pre-coronavirus levels, the street closings would present a minor driver imposition offset by an economic benefit.
Why not turn the alleyway running from Munroe Street to the MBTA garage into a seating area for Land of A 1000 Hills Coffee Company?
Similar arrangements can be made on upper Union Street for Rincon Criollo and La Parada restaurants.
Similar outdoor dining arrangements conceivably can be mapped out in the Wyoma Square municipal parking lot behind Rolly’s Tavern and the Lazy Dog and on Exchange Street between Broad Street and Spring Street to provide outdoor space for One Mighty Mill and Nightshade Noodle Bar.
Let’s be clear: Reopening a restaurant outdoors requires tables and other equipment some restaurants may not have. We know and understand some businesses may not want to undertake the expense and, in some cases, the hassle of an outdoor opening.
In addition, we stress the limited operation hours provision for outdoor openings because we know many restaurants are neighbors to residents who may not want to suddenly live next door to an outdoor restaurant.
Providing space for restaurants to offer outdoor dining in areas now reserved for driving and walking involves a coordinated effort between the public and private sectors with in-person conversations or virtual meetings.
Most of all, it requires willingness and leadership. Restaurants are significant economic contributors and it’s time to get them safely back in business beginning with plans to provide them with outdoor seating.
