Herndon votes to approve 'streetery' pilot program for outdoor dining
HERNDON, Va. - Lawmakers in Herndon voted 6-0 Tuesday night to bring streeteries back to the town.
Since it was approved, Herndon will become home to the same type of streeteries seen in Alexandria and Bethesda. This would initially be a pilot program.
BETHESDA, MD- JUNE 15: A section of Woodmont Ave. in Bethesda has been closed off to help local restaurants in need of more table space due to social distancing guidelines. There are tables in the middle of the road that would normally be filled with
FOX 5 spoke with residents and nearby merchants who say the plan to transform several streets into streeteries has been in the works for years. It will finally come to fruition.
Several streets in Herndon are going to be closed to traffic, paving the way for folks to dine out, walk, bike, and more. Supporters say it will bring more foot traffic to the area and ultimately more business.
Critics are concerned it will eliminate parking in an area that already has minimal parking.
A spokesperson for the town of Herndon confirmed that if the vote was approved, the pilot streetery program would start immediately.
Merchants will have to pay a $100 permit fee that will go to the town of Herndon. The pilot program will last six months.
Herndon leaders plan to analyze data, specifically the economic impact.