Somerville installs Parklets to Expand Outdoor Dining

The Borough of Somerville and the Downtown Somerville Alliance recently installed numerous parklets along Main Street to provide space for outdoor dining while maintaining enough space on sidewalks for pedestrians to walk. 

In July, RideWise and Somerset County Planning staff met virtually with Downtown Somerville Alliance’s executive director, Natalie Pineiro, to connect her with resources that would help in building and creating these parklets. Now, there are several parklets throughout Somerville, by Da Fillipo Sutentica Cucina Italiana, Verve Restaurant, Bar & Bistro, Kyma Greek Cuisine, Arusuvai Indian Restaurant, DeMartino’s Restaurant, Savor Restaurant, Cafe Picasso, and The Venetian/Central Pizzeria. These parklets allow restaurants to set up tables for outdoor dining while keeping space on the sidewalk clear for pedestrians – especially those with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers – to walk by while maintaining social distancing. 

Natalie Pineiro expressed excitement at the project. “I couldn’t have gotten it done without the guidance from the RideWise team! Now that they’re built and in place we’re going to be working with the Borough to ensure that the sidewalks are being decluttered.” 

Interested in installing parklets in your community? Contact RideWise at staff@ridewise.org.