Free parking, free public Wi-Fi, and seven designated public spaces downtown where residents can eat and drink are among the efforts by the city encourage patronage of local businesses while still social distancing as restrictions are eased in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

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Free parking downtown will be for a maximum of four hours, through June, a policy that will be evaluated and may be extended, according to Mayor Ray Giacobbe, Jr. The efforts are part of the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy and go into effect June 15.

The seven public spaces downtown established for outdoor dining and social distancing are:

• Train Station Plaza
• East Cherry Street lot, between 59 and 69 E. Cherry St.)
• East Cherry Street will be closed motor vehicle traffic between Monroe Street and Irving Street
• The Paseo, located between 1495 and 1501 Main St.
• Arts District Park, at the corner of Irving Street and Central Avenue, directly across from the Union County Performing Arts Center.
• Bridge Street Pedestrian Bridge

These spaces will be managed by the city and outfitted with tables, chairs, sanitizers and planters. Residents are encouraged to still social distance and bring their own personal protective equipment (PPE).

Restaurants were invited to complete a temporary outdoor dining usage or outdoor retail sales permit, similar to an outdoor dining permit, only there will no table service in these areas but people can enjoy their takeout in these locations.  Public consumption of alcohol will be allowed Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m.

The city also is encouraging bars and restaurants to provide seating outdoors using their own rear and side yards where they can. Nancy’s Towne House and Il Forgno A Legna are expected to use their parking areas for outdoor dining and The Waiting Room and Cubanu are expected to use space in front and on the side of their buildings.

Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order last week that allows restaurants and bars to offer outdoor dining and retail establishments, effective June 15, with specific guidelines The guidelines the city is putting into place are based on executive orders and state guidelines and restrictions. They are subject to change as new information is released.

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