Updated
Edgartown officials are beginning to take the deep dive into conceptual planning for what the busy throughways of downtown might look like this summer.
At Tuesday’s board of selectmen meeting, retailers and restaurateurs in the Edgartown business district got a chance to share their suggestions and concerns regarding the possibility of street closures, and the necessity for “live parking” and other new concepts for the town.
The town will be making important decisions that will dictate how well the downtown business district will fare over the next 60 to 90 days when the population swells even more, town administrator James Hagerty said.
Specifically in July and August, Hagerty said, the need for contiguous outdoor dining zones and modifications to the normal traffic flow will most likely need to be made. Hagerty reminded those in attendance that these plans are all subject to change and termination, and nothing is final.
“If there is a stiff resistance or any grave concerns from businesses in town, we don’t have to do any of it,” Hagerty said. He suggested that a working group be formed by planners and business owners.
Hagerty said that in order to accommodate food establishments, there would need to be contiguous zones where people can park close by.
These conceptual contiguous zones include areas on Winter Street, South Summer Street, Main Street, and other areas where restaurants may be implementing outdoor seating.
Another approach town officials are looking at is implementing zones where vehicle traffic is prohibited, affording more space and safety for customers.
The no-vehicle-traffic zones could be closed off during peak restaurant hours, and the direction of traffic could be modified so vehicles have access to parking or food pickup, but do not have access to areas where people might be seated outside.
A third possible approach to accommodating outdoor dining and retail would be a hybrid plan where vehicle traffic is restricted and contiguous zones could be delineated using Jersey barriers, planters, or other movable objects.
“How often these areas are restricted, and how often we allow people to dine outside, is a defining detail,” Hagerty said. “Is this going to happen only on weekends? Or is it every day during regular dining hours? We are going to be figuring this all out.”
Joe Monteiro of 19 Raw, a popular oyster bar in downtown Edgartown, said he thinks this will be a great thing for restaurant owners. But Monteiro said, he is concerned about the safety of his customers, particularly when being so close to vehicle traffic. He asked what the town could do to ensure the safety of customers.
Selectman Art Smadbeck said that none of these plans will be put in place without consensus from stakeholders, and thorough vetting from the Edgartown Police and Fire departments.
Michael and Nicole Brisson of L’Etoile Restaurant in Edgartown said that takeout will need to be an integral part of local eateries if they are going to make it through the season.
Michael suggested setting designated areas on main streets for curbside pickup areas would improve traffic flow, and create a safe place for restaurants to do business this summer.
He said he is concerned that blocking off streets and allowing for outdoor dining could be problematic, as it will be difficult for folks walking by to maintain their adequate social distancing.
Nicole also said she and her husband have received a number of responses from customers who want better access to parking in Edgartown. Nicole said she is in support of curbside pickup zones for food orders. In terms of outdoor dining, Nicole also wondered how the town would help food establishments create a safe environment for all patrons.
Hagerty proposed that the Edgartown Board of Trade reach out to all restaurants and retailers, and request their input on issues like outdoor dining, parking, and any possible traffic restrictions.
Geoghan Coogan of Rockfish said he has lots of questions and concerns regarding the safety of his staff and customers when it comes to social distancing and health precautions. “We need to train our staff in proper use of PPE and disinfecting techniques,” Coogan said.
No matter what the town decides to do, Coogan said, it isn’t going to “save the season” for the many Edgartown business owners who rely on the business for just a couple months out of the year.
“We are doing everything we can to still be here next summer, and that is looking pretty grim so far,” Coogan said. He noted that the town needs to be in close partnership with businesses now, and in the months ahead.
Hagerty agreed with Coogan, and said that if the town is going to provide infrastructure and support, they need to know who is interested.
During the conceptual planning phase, Hagerty said, any ideas regarding contiguous zones, no-vehicle-traffic zones, or any combination of the two are essential, and asked business owners to reach out if they have suggestions or concerns.
“I don’t know if this is going to work. It could be an absolute nightmare. But at least we are planning for what is going to happen,” Hagerty said.
Updated to clarify a statement by Hagerty. -ed.
Human capacity for self delusion is staggering. Edgartown, summer of 2020, will be a zone to pass thru en route to the dump and grocery store, windows rolled up.
The input, and output of Edgartown.
I can’t imagine that any of these plans will bring back even 50% of normal business and revenues. How many restaurants and businesses can survive such a cut in their income, particularly with the rents they are paying in downtown Etown? Anything generating crowds will be dangerous, so for public health reasons traffic and business has to be limited or we will all pay eventually.
Very few will pay.
Just starting to take the deep dive and formulate a plan? 60 to 90 days? We’re almost to June 1 and have basically have July and August to make $. 10 weeks to make our living for the year and still are not into phase 2. This state and local government have been one step behind this all along. No brave thinking, no forward thinking. Just reactionary. Pathetic.
What would you have done that was less pathetic?
You work 10 weeks to live fat for 42.
That is not forward thinking.
“60 to 90 days for a conceptual plan” the summer will be over and many businesses gone for good. All of the Vineyard towns need to take decisive actions that provide some options to assist their businesses. We know what the social distance guide lines are. We basically know what the phases will look like. Try some experiments for food pick up zones in front of restaurants. Try some outdoor food tents for a weekend once allowed. Do anything but sit on your butts and discuss it for 90 days.
It’s after Memorial Day and they are just starting to form a 60-90 day planning period? The town administrator hasn’t been on to- of this at all.
The usual small minded vineyard exercises in futility…
Small islands, small minds.
This has confused numerous commenters and surely readers. Rephrase? They are not making decisions for 60-90 days out from today. 90 days out is end of summer. Thank you! “ Over the next 60 to 90 days, town administrator James Hagerty said, the town will be responsible for making important decisions that dictate how well the downtown business district will fare when the population swells even more.”
Thanks. You’re right. So I checked with the writer and we’ve clarified that line.
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