This past Tuesday, June 9, the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Warwick, entered Phase 2 of the State’s reopening plan.

For the past three months, it has been an economic disaster for many downtown business owners who still had bills to pay but little or no income to cover them.

Now shoppers can enter a retail store to make a purchase or dine outside at a restaurant. And that gave birth to an idea spearheaded by Mayor Michael Newhard.

The plan would be to close Main Street and perhaps also Railroad Avenue and Spring Street to vehicular traffic from 4 to 10 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays. That would allow restaurants to set up tables on what would effectively be a pedestrian mall. And it would also attract visitors to retail stores.

Curbside pick-up could be relocated to a nearby parking area..

But there are obstacles to overcome.

Main Street in the Village of Warwick is actually a state road.

“We’re working with the New York State Department of Transportation as required,” said the mayor, who owns Newhard’s The Home Source at 39 Main St. “And we also need the permission of the State Liquor Authority for restaurants to serve drinks at these outdoor tables.”

There will be more information forthcoming at a meeting of the Village Board this Monday, June 15.

If the state does not approve the plan, Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, reported that there could be another solution.

The Main Street parking spots that are often used to position vendors for annual events could be closed to create a pedestrian walkway, allowing the restaurants to set up dining areas on the sidewalk and a safe distance from any vehicular traffic.

The chamber would also support decorating the downtown area with flowers and plants.

“We want it to look nice,” he said, “and we all need to realize the importance of a vibrant downtown area.”

Johndrow also mentioned that they are working with the Merchant Guild, a committee of the Warwick Chamber, to possibly combine the annual Community Showcase, recently postponed, with the July Sale bur perhaps later than usual.

There are also other plans being considered to salvage many of the popular Chamber events, including Applefest, should that become necessary.

Stay tuned.

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PIC – File photo

The Main Street parking spots, that are often used to position vendors for annual events, could be closed to create a pedestrian walkway, allowing the restaurants to set up dining areas on the sidewalk and a safe distance from any vehicular traffic.

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