BEACON – Local businesses in the City of Beacon will again have the opportunity to expand their operations into adjacent outdoor areas and parking spaces in order to accommodate social distancing requirements. Businesses can apply online for no cost to expand operations outside previously approved service areas, including Main Street parking spaces.
This “Parklet Program” was rolled out in June 2020 to help businesses weather COVID-related challenges. For 2021, the program will run from May 1 to November 1.
In a virtual meeting with local businesses, Councilman George Mansfield and city officials received feedback on the 2020 Parklet Program and laid out a safer and more streamlined process for 2021.
Changes from last year include a more streamlined application process to save time for businesses. While the Parklet Program was primarily used by restaurants in 2020, the program is also open to retail, gyms, and personal care services. The city has also worked with the Community Capital Program to establish a micro-enterprise grant to assist small businesses, and information and applications can be found at the following link: https://www.beaconny.gov/index.php/2020/12/07/city-of-beacon-microenterprise-stabilization-grant-program/
“The Parklet Program proved to be a vital resource for our local businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last summer,” said Mayor Lee Kyriacou. “Our local businesses are a critical part of what makes Beacon a unique community, and we hope that this no cost program will allow them prosper during the coming year.”
