SWAMPSCOTT — The town began its second portion of a sidewalk-expansion project to make outdoor dining on Humphrey Street permanent this week.
Restaurants on the street were forced to only allow outdoor dining in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the town decided to keep the outdoor option open during the past three years.
“For the past three years we’ve put jersey barriers out on the sidewalk, but now we’re just making it permanent,” Director of Public Works Gino Cresta said.
The sidewalk expansion extends from Kell’s Kreme to Volo Craft Pizza.
Cresta described the process of the expansion, which involves removing the existing granite of the street and replacing it with approximately 8 feet of new sidewalk.
In 2022, the sidewalks were expanded in front of Cafe Avellino and Little G Market as part of the first portion of the project. According to Director of Community and Economic Development Marzie Galazka, the construction for both was funded by a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program.
Lincoln’s Landing is one of the restaurants located along the strip of new sidewalk. Owner Laurie Pezzano bought the 45-year-old establishment in 2007 after working as a waitress there for seven years. She said the new sidewalk will allow her to add up to 10 permanent outdoor tables for customers to utilize.
“This is a great addition to the business,” Pezzano said. “I’m glad the town is investing in the businesses and giving us a chance to try to make some more money as we’re still recovering after COVID and everything.”
Cresta said he expects the work to take three weeks to complete.
