Right-of-Way “How to Guide” released online to help storefront business owners understand the process
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh today announced a pilot project to close Walton Street, between S. Clinton Street to W. Fayette Street, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays providing additional outdoor dining and retail space for storefront businesses. The Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) and Central Permit Office also released an online Right-of-Way (ROW) “How To Guide” for businesses seeking to use the ROW in various locations throughout the city.
The temporary use of the city ROW is designed to attract diners and shoppers to Armory Square and Downtown Syracuse, as well as to help small businesses serve customers while complying with New York State reopening health and safety guidelines for COVID-19. The closure in the 100 and 200 blocks of Walton Street will occur between 9 a.m. Friday morning and 8 a.m. Monday morning.
“We’ve worked closely with Armory Square business owners to plan this pilot project. Implementing the program for use of the right-of-way in one of Syracuse’s busiest retail and restaurant corridors provides much needed flexibility for businesses in this area,” said Mayor Walsh. “Allowing for an expanded use of our right-of-way is one way the City can help ensure people are safe as they enjoy restaurants and shopping.”
During the street closure, transit access and parking in the Armory Square district will be available at the: Washington Street Garage, Armory Square Trolley Lot, Fayette-Clinton Lot, and the Center Armory Garage. Armory Square will also be accessible to pedestrians by way of Centro and to cyclists. More information on parking options and alternative modes of transportation can be found at https://downtownsyracuse.com/get-around-park.
The City is welcoming applications for use of the right-of-way by our local businesses throughout the City, not just downtown. The How To Guide outlines instructions for expanding outdoor sidewalks to serve as café areas; creation of parklets (areas generally designated for parking spaces); and partial or full street closures for outdoor dining seating. Conceptual diagrams within the document show the proper space clearances needed when pedestrian amenities are considered. The guide also provides direct links to the café and liability waiver applications.
Use of the ROW will come in the form of approved permits from the Central Permit Office. Businesses must first comply with the NY Forward reopening guidance prior to applying for a permit. The state’s industry-specific business affirmation and safety plan templates can be found at https://forward.ny.gov/. Businesses seeking to apply for a ROW permit can use the online form, or contact the Central Permit Office by phone at 315-448-4754 or by email at bmoore@syrgov.net for any questions.
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