On May 22, city officials began closing streets on both sides of the square during weekend evenings and overnight periods, and provided picnic tables for restaurants to use while following social distancing rules. Following positive feedback, the city has decided to expand the closure.
The streets will now be closed 24 hours per day through the Labor Day weekend. It's a trial run, and City Manager Jim Arndt said the city is considering permanently closing the streets.
Arndt said, “Over the next several weeks as restaurants are allowed to resume their indoor seating capacity as provided through the Healthy at Work guidelines from the State of Kentucky, we will ask the restaurants and businesses in Market Square if they think the roadway closures and expanded outdoor seating should become permanent.”
Keeping the streets closed all day will also eliminate daytime traffic on the square, making the environment safer for diners and restaurant staff who have used the tables during the day.
On the Net:
City of Paducah website
