On Thursday June 4, two blocks of F Street in Salida were closed down to motorized traffic to allow restaurants and retail businesses more space to address the social distancing requirements of the COVID-19 county health order variances. The goal; to allow them to be able to serve more customers safely. Businesses on Highway 50 are also being contacted by the City to see what modifications may be made to help them while keeping that major highway fully open.
Temporary barriers going in on F and Sackett Streets at Riverside Park. Expanded dining and retail will follow on North F and the 100 block of F Street. Merrell Bergin photo
As previously reported by Ark Valley Voice, North F Street between Sackett and First Street is now closed to traffic. First Street, which bisects the planned area, is State Highway 291 and will remain open. The 100 block of F Street, south of First is the second segment that is now closed.
Though not all businesses will benefit from the F Street closure, there appears to be camaraderie among many in the business community, acknowledging that they support the closure.
Others recognize the need to react to the economic pressures of the pandemic, but are expressing a “wait and see” attitude. They are hoping that parking and logistics details will be worked out quickly so that the area is welcoming to all, without burdening anyone significantly.
Restaurants not directly on F Street are also participating in the outdoor dining solution.
The city has paid local creatives to do some decorative work on the barriers. This project will most likely take several days as the art is currently being designed and applied by artists.
Temporary barriers placed at 1st and F Streets to allow expanded dining and retail on North F. Merrell Bergin photo
Salida Director of Public Works, David Lady told Ark Valley Voice “In conjunction with the planned closure of F Street, Public Works staff has been working with the Parks and Recreation staff to provide the resources necessary to assist with the street closure.”
“This has included mobilization of barriers, signage, and constructing planter boxes. The planter boxes have been an opportunity to improve the aesthetic appearance while utilizing locally sourced rough sawn douglas fir, collaborating with Brady’s West on a planting design, and incorporating them into the downtown streetscape” Lady explained.
Currently, Amicas is setting up expanded patio fixtures in front of their existing patio as well as one parking space to the south, filling out their total storefront and west into the middle of the street.
The current businesses participating are:
- Amicas Pizza
- Moonlight Pizza and Brewery
- Currents Restaurant
- Eye Candy
- Salida Pharmacy & Fountain
- Drift & Amble
- Sweetie’s Bakery and Deli
- Biker & Baker (sidewalk seating)
- Tacos el Tapatio
- The Lost Cajun (1110 US Highway 50)
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