Park Street Lanes Realigned for Health Safety

COVID-19 is changing most aspects of our lives, including how people are doing business and visiting our downtown. The City has been working throughout the pandemic to help keep our community safe and support the well-being of our downtown businesses. Last month, the City Council approved the launch of the Commercial Streets Program to create more space in our business districts for people to shop and dine. 

As part of the new Commercial Streets program, the City recently expanded pedestrian space by reducing a portion of Park Street from 4-lanes to 2-lanes. Restriping from Encinal Ave to Lincoln Ave was completed July 10.

Here’s how the lanes on Park Street are being repurposed to benefit pedestrians and downtown shoppers:

• The existing parking lane in the repurposed area is now an extension of sidewalk space for pedestrians and for customers to line up — this provides for more room for safe passage on the sidewalk.

• The current outer traffic lanes is now pick-up and drop-off parking only — this makes it even easier to order take-out and other items in advance by providing plenty of convenient, short-term parking spaces.

• The two inside lanes remain open for vehicles and bicycles to travel in each direction.

Over time, various portions of the curbside lane may also be used for outdoor dining, retail activities, and other commercial uses. Additionally, “parklets” in the former parking spaces will provide convenient seating areas thanks to businesses like Daisy’s. New bike racks will also be added in select former parking spaces. 

The reconfiguration of Park Street will be monitored and evaluated, and then modified as needed. The new layout is expected to remain through early November. 

Many thanks to the City of Alameda for their assistance in developing this new program, which will support the health of our businesses and the entire community. Our businesses are open with care!