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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
June 12, 2020
For more information, contact:
Robert Goulding, DPW Public Information Manager
802-540-0846
Shop Locally, Visit Safely: Burlington Is Getting Back to Business
Restaurants & Retail are open for business
Parking Garages & Enforcement to resume operations
Public health remains top priority
Burlington, VT - The City of Burlington has continued its focused efforts - organized through the multi-departmental work of the Resource & Recovery Center (RRC) - to support the community. In addition to food, housing and healthcare assistance for residents, the City has worked to offer businesses a low-cost opportunity to expand outside. With state regulations changing, business beginning to pick up and employees coming back to the downtown, parking garages and enforcement will also return to standard operations. Public health, public safety and economic vitality have guided these recent efforts by the City.
“There is no better mix of excellent, locally owned dining and shopping than right here in Burlington,” said Church Street Marketplace Director Kara Alnasrawi, who is also leading business support for the city’s Resource & Recovery Center. “We’ve been working to help businesses expand into the right-of way and have more efforts underway to reconnect our residents with business. From the New North End to downtown, Church Street and the South End, we encourage Burlingtonians and visitors to go to their favorite establishments and to do so safely. We’re encouraging businesses to apply for outdoor seating, outdoor vending and curbside pickup zones and will help them navigate the process.”
“We’re all working hard to help Burlington’s businesses and their employees to succeed and hope Burlingtonians and visitors come enjoy our city,” said Public Works Director Chapin Spencer. “We have eliminated permit fees for safe right-of-way expansion and expedited the approval of grab and go pickup zones. Burlington is a special place in the summertime, even more so when you can enjoy your time here outdoors. While public health remains the City’s priority, we want people to have safe ways to enjoy their favorite restaurants and shops.”
MAKING SPACE FOR RESTAURANT & RETAIL RECOVERY
The Department of Public Works (DPW), Church Street Marketplace (CSM) and the Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) have put forward a three part initiative -- “Making Space for Restaurant & Retail Recovery” -- to support area businesses, give them the outdoor space they need and help the community feel even safer visiting their favorite establishments. This initiative includes:
PARKING GARAGES & ENFORCEMENT RETURN TO STANDARD OPERATIONS JUNE 15TH
On March 17th and in accordance with State of Emergency regulations, DPW raised the gates at city-owned garages and stopped collecting parking fees. The Burlington Police Department (BPD) also stopped on-street meter enforcement. These efforts coincided with providing Burlingtonians a temporary respite from parking fees and to have regular, easy access to their vehicles during a period of uncertainty.
Parking turnover is vital to a vibrant downtown. It allows regular and fair access to parking which translates into more people visiting area businesses. With business picking up and regulations changing to allow more “non-essential” work, city owned parking garages and meter enforcement will return to standard operations on June 15th. This includes:
During this down period, DPW garage management has continued to refine operations to best serve Burlington.
PUBLIC HEALTH HELPS US ALL
While the City is encouraged to see residents and visitors going back to their favorite places, public health remains at the forefront of its work. Steps to help combat the spread of COVID-19 continue to be:
LIST OF PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES (as of 6/12/2020)
Business |
Location |
Description |
A Single Pebble |
133 Bank |
Greenbelt Seat |
El Cortijo |
189 Bank St |
Street Seat |
Kens Pizza |
170 Bank |
Street Seat |
Dobra Tea |
80 Church St |
Street Seat |
The Gryphon |
131 Main Street |
Street Seat |
Bistro De Margot |
126 College St |
Street Seat |
Simon and Pearce |
157 Bank |
Grab & Go Pickup Space |
Nunyuns |
139 North Champlain |
Grab & Go Pickup Space |
Bento |
197 College Street |
Grab & Go Pickup Space |
Honey Road |
Church & Main |
Grab & Go Pickup Space |
A Single Pebble |
139 Bank Street |
Grab & Go Pickup Space |
RESOURCES: