On June 3, these streets will make way for outdoor eating.
Yesterday, the mayor announced that the Chicago would be moving into Phase 3 of its reopening plan next Wednesday, June 3. As such, a number of businesses would be allowed to reopen, including bars and restaurants for alfresco dining. To ensure that social distancing is upheld at these establishments, the city is closing off six streets in Lakeview, West Loop, and more.
On June 3, the City of Chicago will follow on the heals of the rest of the state as its moves into the 3rd phase of its reopening plan. This new phase means that a number of new businesses, including barbershops, salons, non-essential retail establishments, golf courses and other facilities, child care facilities, and coffee shops would be allowed to reopen.
The mayor announced this news of a warning, saying that if the city were to see a surge in cases, that it was willing to return to a previous phase.
To do its part in making sure that it doesn’t happen, the city will close off a number of streets so that consumers can dine alfresco at restaurants while maintaining ample distancing from one another. Those streets include:
- 75th Street in Chatham, Calumet Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Broadway in Lakeview, Belmont Avenue to Diversey Parkway
- 26th Street in Little Village, Central Park to Harding Avenue
- Taylor Street near West Side, Loomis Street to Ashland Avenue
- Rush Street in Rush and Division, Oak Street to Cedar Street
- Randolph Street in West Loop, Expressway to Elizabeth Street
These street close-offs, the mayor said, would be for the exclusive purpose of dining, rather than carving out areas for residents to mingle and party. This announcement comes on the heals of the city submitting permits to open a number of shared streets to allow pedestrians, cyclists, and joggers to traverse while maintaining safe social distancing from one another.
Bars and restaurants that serve food in these areas can apply on June 1 for a Expanded Outdoor Dining permit, that would grant them ability to serve outdoors until 11 pm.
See more: Chicago’s 10 best cocktail bars.
[Featured image: @drew_beamer via Unsplash]