Syracuse restaurants and neighborhood stores might have an easier time expanding their take-out and curbside business thanks to a city project that starts Wednesday. Mayor Ben Walsh is implementing some parking changes that will help people practice contact-less delivery when patronizing a local business.
"We’re modifying parking signage to allow for people to pull up, get their…whatever they’re buying whether its takeout from a restaurant or they’ve ordered something from a retail shop that they will bring out and drop off in the car," said Walsh.
The program will start in Armory Square and Hanover square to see how much it helps. A block of Franklin Street and a block of Water Street will each have a section for drive-up deliveries. Walsh says this might be a glimpse of the future of retail … given the uncertainties of health measures that might be necessary.
"Depending on how those pilot programs go, we are looking at other neighborhood business districts," said Walsh. "And that’s really part of a broader effort that we’ve undertaken. Really reimagining City-owned right of way. And looking at how we can use it in creative ways to assist our constituents, to assist our businesses and accommodating the changes that have to be made as a result of the pandemic.”
The spaces will be marked with special signage. The city also plans to close the 100 block of East Genesee Street through Hanover Square to create more space on which restaurants could put outside dining tables while practicing social distancing. Walsh says that idea might also be expanded to other areas where sidewalk space or street closures could give businesses outside areas to safely greet customers.
