On Thursday, at the Board of Selectmen meeting, Peter Tesei said town officials plan to have a follow-up meeting with Greenwich Chamber of Commerce leadership this week about future sidewalk sales days.
“The professional staff at town hall was very thorough in reviewing the requirements for sidewalk sales days,” Tesei said. “The Police Chief has an integral role in that approval.”
This July dozens of vendors paid over $1,000 each for sidewalk sales tables on Greenwich Ave for which the police said they lacked permits.
Mr. Tesei said town officials had a number of issues with sidewalk sales this year. “There were concerns expressed by professional staff out in the field and by those of us who observed the activities. So we’ll be sitting down with the chamber to review those regulations and what process should be followed next year to avert any issues.”
A week earlier during an interview on WGCH 1490, Marcia O’Kane, director of the Greenwich Chamber said that in response to all the municipal lots filling up during sidewalk sales, “Perhaps we can come up with a new way to address parking for next year’s 2016 sidewalk sales.”
As for Greenwich Police concern that crowded sidewalks were causing an overflow of foot traffic onto Greenwich Ave, O’Kane said, “We need to talk about how we can make that better.We need to make it safe for our community and those shoppers who come out, because it is a fun event.”
On Friday, the Chamber sent out an email to members with a reminder from the Town that businesses are not permitted to put signs on the sidewalk outside stores or offices.
Section 6-166 of the Greenwich Municipal Code (below) states that all signs that are on the public right of way are expressly prohibited, though there are exceptions for certain non-commercial activities, such as public safety.
The Chamber email said the reminder came with a hint that an enforcement sweep may be in the offing. “Please don’t get caught,” the email warned.
Sec. 6-166. LOCATION OF SIGN.
(1) a governmental body to convey public information or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic
(2) a public transit company bus stop or similar signs;
(3) a public utility informational signs; or
See also:
Ready with Lollipops: Greenwich Chamber Director is Stoked for Sidewalk Sales
PHOTOS: Sidewalks of Smiles: Bargains on Greenwich Ave Continue through Weekend
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