Residents Asked To Weigh In On Greenport Parklet Plan

GREENPORT, NY — Residents and business owners have been asked to weigh in on whether or not Greenport Village parklets should return for the 2022 season.

A Zoom meeting on the issue is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The innovative outdoor dining plan was born during the pandemic to boost the Greenport economy. The "parklets" in Greenport are outdoor spaces created by sections of timber designed to create seating and allow outdoor dining to expand out onto the street.

Greenport Business Improvement District President Rich Vandenburgh said last year that his goal was to see the parklet program return for the 2022 season.

The parklets were unveiled in August, 2020 as a public/private partnership and an innovative vision for change to help shepherd the business district through the turbulent months of the coronavirus.

In order to create the parklets, the Village of Greenport leveraged 51 parking spaces to create 9,000 square feet of space. Also, a portion of Front Street traffic was directed one way for the duration of the program.

In a letter to residents, friends and business owners, Vandenburgh said the Zoom meeting will allow people to ask questions, "leave a respectful comment and take a poll if you wish. The BID is attempting to gather constructive input and engagement on this significant initiative for the upcoming season and share the feedback with the Village trustees."

To participate in the Zoom, click here. The passcode is 591792.