“If our customers cannot get to us, we will close down. We were mandated to close down for two months. That was extremely financially difficult for us. Now, with reduced parking, any pedestrian closure of the Avenue takes away parking. Any parking that is reduced means that the viability of our business is jeopardized. It’s that stark. Our rent is $11,500. And a book costs $20. Do the math. We’re talking about survival. It’s so grim for us right now.”
– Margo O’Brien, Diane’s BooksEven prior to the partial closure of Greenwich Avenue, O’Brien said customers had complained about shortage of parking. Diane’s Books is one of the only remaining independent bookstores in town.
Camillo arranged for the Selectmen to visit Grigg Street in person the next day.
“We need to see not only what we can do temporarily to help these businesses, but what we can do permanently to enhance the look and feel of our downtown,” Camillo said.
He said the town was still considering a trolley that might run every 30 minutes from Town Hall to Greenwich Avenue for residents.
The modifications to Greenwich Ave were approved unanimously and put into place the next day.
See also:
Greenwich Tree Conservancy Puts the Green in Outdoor Dining on the Ave