Arlington Extends Outdoor Dining, Business Flexibility

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Select Board and Park and Recreation Commission recently approved two recommendations from the Economic Development Recovery Task Force allowing businesses to continue to operate as the weather gets colder.

Temporary Outdoor Dining Licenses Allowed Through 60 Days After End of State of Emergency; Outdoor Heaters Allowed

The Select Board unanimously approved the Temporary Outdoor Dining License application in June. The program meets the needs of local restaurants by quickly approving outdoor seating in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated capacity restrictions. This program was originally set to expire Nov. 1 but has been extended until 60 days past the end of the state of emergency in Massachusetts, or by the relaxing of dining restrictions, whichever is sooner.

The Temporary Outdoor Dining License regulations have also been amended to allow for the use of outdoor heaters under review of the Arlington Fire Department.

Temporary Outdoor Fitness and Arts Permit Program Extended Through First Measurable Snowfall

Specific outdoor park and recreation areas have been designated for the use of permitted local fitness and arts-related businesses to allow them to operate outdoors while their indoor capacity is reduced. On Oct. 6, the Park and Recreation Commission unanimously approved extending the use of town parks and recreation land by fitness and arts businesses through the first measurable snowfall.

Temporary Outdoor Fitness and Arts Permits have been issued to over 20 Arlington-based businesses, and dozens of classes per week have been conducted with social distancing measures in town parks throughout the summer and fall. The Park and Recreation Commission wants to give businesses as much time as possible to use town-owned recreation land.

"With these extended timeframes," Ali Carter, economic development coordinator, said in a statement. "It is my hope that business can continue to be conducted outdoors safely as temperatures cool. Businesses now need the flexibility to operate outdoors for as long as their customers are comfortable with the weather."

All of these regulations are effective immediately, and Town staff are accepting applications on a rolling basis. For questions contact Ali Carter, Economic Development Coordinator, at 781-316-3095 or [email protected].