The Press Herald reports a decision by the city to close Dana, Milk and Wharf Streets as well as a part of Middle Street to car traffic but to re-open Exchange Street for regular vehicular traffic.
The barricades last year allowed some businesses to expand outdoor seating or shopping into the empty street, so customers could avoid coming indoors and practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some businesses, especially restaurants, took advantage of that option. Others, particularly retailers, said their foot traffic dropped. The city reopened the streets when the temperatures dropped in November but allowed outdoor dining to continue.