The new PARKlets are creating additional outdoor seating to help downtown Syracuse businesses amid COVID-19.
Parklets for the People of Syracuse was started by local entrepreneur Michael John Heagerty with a goal to raise money to build “PARKlets” for Syracuse businesses.
PARKlets are public seating platforms that convert curbside parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. The movement is the product of a collaboration between the city, local businesses, residents, and neighborhood associations to help revive Syracuse’s downtown area amid COVID-19. The mobile outdoor seating option is a way for local businesses and restaurants to expand their dining space during the pandemic. The first PARKlet was installed at Kitty Hoynes pub in downtown Syracuse. Matt Lupiani, Yang Song, and Marlene Rizzo, all out of our Syracuse office, have been working with Michael and the City of Syracuse to help bring the parklets to city businesses.
Matt and Yang worked with Michael and Pastabilities Restaurant in Armory Square to design their outdoor seating provisions, which was installed August 22. The restaurant is considering keeping the parklet out until Mid-October. Funk’n Waffles is the next Syracuse restaurant slated for a new parklet.
Check out the local news stories below.
LocalSYR.com:
https://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/local-entrepreneur-helping-businesses-in-downtown-syracuse/
Syracuse.com:
https://www.syracuse.com/restaurants/2020/08/parklet-style-outdoor-dining-ready-for-debut-in-syracuses-armory-square.html