Select Board Approves 2 'Parklets' For Outdoor Dining In Heights

ARLINGTON, MA — Two outdoor dining locations in are under development in Arlington Heights following approval by the Select Board July 20. The areas, called "parklets," are temporary small seating areas alongside a sidewalk in a parking space. They will soon be installed at 1306-1310-B Mass. Ave and 1346-1360 Mass. Ave.

The parklets are one of the first projects resulting from responses to the Arlington Consumer Survey, in which 84 percent of respondents said they were more likely or much more likely to shop or dine at a small business if there were more options for outdoor dining or shopping.

"Residents want to support local restaurants and are far more willing to dine outdoors than indoors, but sidewalks in the Heights are too narrow to provide adequate social distance between pedestrians and diners," Economic Development Coordinator Ali Carter said in a statement. "We are excited to bring this new opportunity for safer outdoor dining to the Heights."

Parklet sites were selected based on site feasibility and community feedback from an Arlington Heights Parklet Options poll. Of the 852 responses, 58 percent preferred a parklet at 1346-1360 Mass Ave and 48 percent preferred a parklet at 1306-1310-B Mass Ave. Other locations included the taxi stand by the Arlington Heights bus turnaround, 1347 Mass Ave, and a smaller parklet at 1306-1308 Mass Ave. Roughly 6 percent of respondents said they did not support parklets in Arlington Heights.

Under state reopening guidelines, outdoor dining tables and chairs must be a minimum six feet apart, and tables cannot seat more than six people. Workers must wear face coverings, and customers must wear face coverings until they are seated. In locations with parklet dining, the town requires separation between the travel lane and the dining area to protect diners. Accessible pathways along the sidewalks must be maintained for pedestrian travel.

The parklets are the latest initiative to support local businesses in Arlington. Other programs include expanded outdoor dining and curbside parking, relaxed signage regulations, suspension of parking fees, a public database of open businesses in Arlington and outdoor fitness and arts in parks.