What's Happening

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!

June 19 Update: Retail stores can now be open for in-store shopping. Check with individual shops to see if you need to make an appointment.

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Did you hear the good news? The County issued a new health order on Monday, May 18 that allows retail stores to open for curbside or storefront pickup! 🙌🏻⁣

Shops like Books_Inc. have missed you and are excited to finally see you again — from a safe distance, of course. It’s easy to order books online and request safe, curbside pickup.

Lauren’s Closet doesn’t have a website but owner Lisa Cross is happy to send pics. She’ll even wrap items if it’s for a gift. View products on Facebook, look in window, or call for suggestions.

Some of the greatest toys on Earth can be purchased on Toy Safari‘s website. Or, the next time you’re downtown, take a look at their window display and order via text — numbers are posted on each item to make identification easy.

View a running list of businesses ready to assist you with new clothes, home accessories, gift items, meals, groceries, health care, and more: https://downtownalameda.com/open-for-business/

Check with individual businesses for their current pickup guidelines. Please remember to still be vigilant about wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing when out of the house.

(Photo credit: @loveourisland)

The City recently launched a new Alameda Strong Campaign to raise money for Alameda businesses, residents, and non-profits who make Alameda the truly awesome city that it is.

The goal is to raise over $1 million for grants that can help our local businesses and others recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. If you are in a position to do so, please help fund the emergency relief grants by making a tax-deductible donation to the “Alameda Strong” community fund today. Donations are being accepted online through The East Bay Community Foundation.

Alameda’s small businesses, nonprofits, and low-income renters need our support. Please donate today at www.alamedastrong.org.

(Donations can also be submitted by check. Make the check payable to: “Alameda Strong Fund” and mail it to: East Bay Community Foundation; Attn: Alameda Strong Fund; 200 Frank Ogawa Plaza; Oakland CA 94612)

Please help get the word out about this campaign — the grant is dependent on community donations.

We were absolutely blown away by @girlcancook451’s participation in the ABCs of Park Street Game. She completed the full alphabet and even got creative by including her son and signing their way together through downtown. Check out a few favorites! www.instagram.com/p/CAqxmNGh03p

(B is for the @alamedaballetacademy, while they dance in their rooms. M is for movies at the iconic @alamedatheatres. W is for waffles from the one and only @oleswaffleshop.⁣⁣)

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ABCs of Park Street Game

What is your favorite #downtownalameda business? Join us for the ABCs of Park Street Game and THREE of you could win a $100 gift card to the Park Street business of your choice! 🥳⁣

To participate, simply: ⁣
1. Post a photo of a Park Street business on Instagram or Facebook and caption it with the corresponding letter of the alphabet. For example, “A is for the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex.” The photo can be a picture you take while you’re out for a social distancing walk, a picture you take of your takeout meal back at home, or a drawing by one of your kiddos. Feel free to get creative! 🤗⁣
2. Tag your photo with BOTH #downtownalameda and #abcsofparkstreet.⁣

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The Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order has been extended but there are still ways to support your community, friends, and neighbors while maintaining social distancing.

Shopping online, over the phone, ordering out, and promoting your wonderful local businesses are just a few of the ways you can support your community and independent, family-owned businesses.

How you can support local while maintaining social distancing:

Shop Online – Many local businesses have an online presence and can mail or personally deliver your items. This is also a great time to stock up on gift cards for future visits or gift giving opportunities.

Order Out – Order takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup from your favorite restaurant.

Leave a Review – Did you have a memorable experience with the owner or an employee the last time you were at a local business? Show your love for favorite shopping, service, and dining establishments by leaving a review.

Promote on Social Media – By interacting virtually with local businesses, you can help them survive this difficult time. Comment and share posts from your favorite local businesses. Post about your favorite places using #DowntownAlameda and tag us @DowntownAlameda. (And remember to follow Downtown Alameda on Instagram and Facebook.)

Like and Subscribe – Be sure to like your favorite local places on all social media channels and subscribe to their email lists to get updates on their activities.

Stay up-to-date with information about downtown businesses offering take-out, delivery, gift certificates, services, and virtual experiences. Our Open For Business list is updated often with more businesses being added.

Please share this link: www.DowntownAlameda.com/open-for-business

Support your friends and neighbors by supporting local business. #together6feetapart