For Immediate Release
June 16, 2020
Downtown Ventura closes streets to expand outdoor dining
and shopping as part of Main Street Moves launch
Ventura, CA
– Beginning Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the City of Ventura in partnership with
Downtown Ventura
invites the community to shop, sip, snack, and stroll safely in the historic streets of Downtown Ventura for the next 30 days as part of “Main Street Moves
.”
Scheduled through July 16
th
, five blocks in historic Downtown Ventura will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow more space for adjacent businesses to expand operations to help maintain safe physical distancing requirements. Main Street Moves will feature amenities including live music, handwashing stations, sanitation efforts, temporary ADA restroom facilities, additional tables and chairs, and bike racks to accommodate 140 bikes, will be provided and managed by Downtown Ventura Partners.
“Main Street Moves is a business-friendly solution to help our local restaurants and shops recover from the losses they have suffered during the shutdown,” said Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere. “This program is also an innovative way for businesses to welcome back more customers while helping residents feel comfortable about being outdoors.”
Closures will be in place along four blocks on Main Street, between Fir and Palm Streets, and one block of California Street, between Santa Clara and Poli Streets. During street closures, barricades will be in place to ensure visitors' safety.
“The global pandemic has forced us to rethink and reimagine how we use our public spaces,” said Downtown Ventura Partners director, Kevin Clerici. “People are eager to get out. It is a great time and way to harness the space traditionally reserved for cars instead of people and allow for greater movement and safe distancing and amenities like expanded outdoor dining, bike lanes, and access to your favorite shops and boutiques.”
Businesses interested in participating in the program must continue to follow Ventura County Public Health’s guidelines and are responsible for submitting an application for expansion onto public or private property.
The 30-day program will be
reevaluated to determine if additional extension time is required. For City permit application information, visit the City’s website or
click here
.
To learn more about Main Street Moves or for a map of all participating businesses, visit Downtown Ventura’s website or
click here
.
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