Get Out and Shop and Dine
Starting today, the City of Rye is closing off streets in the Central Business district to create pedestrian-only zones with the goal of helping boost retail and restaurant business. Outdoor dining will be allowed until 10 p.m. Many shops are expected to stay open later than 6. Designated portions of streets and sidewalks can be used by the shops and restaurants for retail sales and outdoor dining.
The City will maintain an area of at least 15 feet in width for a pedestrian walkway and emergency walkway.
While the change is hailed by most business owners, it will mean the loss of free parking spaces on Purchase Street, and traffic flow in the carparks on the west side of Purchase will switch direction. Metered parking hours in the City’s carparks have been extended from 9 to 9 Monday through Saturday.
The City Council authorized the closure until July 19 and will revisit the plan at its July 15 meeting.
See you downtown, Rye!