Street parklets are being created in New Bedford that convert parking spaces on the street for use by the public.
These parklets are being used to extend leisure, dining, and retail space to enable businesses to comply with protocols for social distancing, and are likely to attract visitors from nearby Fall River.
Among the businesses creating parklets in the city are several businesses on Acushnet Avenue in the North End; Tia Maria’s European Cafe on North Water Street in the Historic District; and Cafe Arpeggio on Purchase Street in the downtown area. These sites were selected based on a door-to-door survey that was carried out by the city and one from the restaurant reopening advisory group. Restaurants may turn to banner printing to promote such outdoor dining facilities.
A grant from the MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program is making possible the creation of these parklets. Acushnet Avenue will be awarded $69,000 and $79,000 for the downtown area. Tabitha Harkin, Director of City Planning, said that each parklet will be designed differently depending on the street, curbs, trees, and other issues. Some may require platforms, planters, and wine barrels to make them more attractive to guests.
Some of the local restaurant owners are becoming concerned about the winter months, but Harkin said that that her department will also be providing space heaters for the parklets so they can stay open during the cooler months.
