‘Providence is open for business’: Elorza encourages people to visit, dine downtown as restrictions ease
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – As coronavirus restrictions on businesses continue to ease in Rhode Island, leaders in the capital city are encouraging people to visit downtown Providence.
Mayor Jorge Elorza (D-Providence) held a press conference Friday outside of Ellie’s on Weybosset Street where he announced the city will be providing resources to draw people into downtown and help businesses recover from the pandemic.
“Providence is open for business once again,” Elorza said. “We are excited to safely welcome folks back to our vibrant downtown.”
Flanked by leaders in the hospitality industry, Elorza said the city will continue to offer free two-hour parking in spots of the city, waive certain fees for businesses, and continue to provide loans to struggling businesses.
“We’re waiving as many fees as we possibly can, but we also have a team at City Hall for anyone who wants to come outdoors, we’re walking them through the process, providing some technical assistance,” he said.
Starting tomrorow, the city is bringing back ‘Open Air Saturdays’ on Westminster Street. The event is one way Elorza hopes to draw Rhode Islanders to the capital city.
“Part of this announcement is making sure we are creating enough of a critical mass, people are coming down, there’s enough foot traffic, there’s enough of a buzz and vibrancy so that our shops can thrive once again.”
“We will be activating our corner of Providence,” said Colin Geoffroy, owner of G Pub and Sarto. Geoffroy said G Pub will be opening a beer garden on Memorial Day weekend.
One of the newest restaurants in Providence, Kin Southern Table + Bar, will be holding a block party to celerbate Juneteeth, owner Julia Broome announced at Friday’s press conference.
“I opened my establishment six weeks ago during the pandemic. Believe me, I was hesitant, I was anxious. I still am a little bit. But it seems like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Broome said.
Friday marks the first of two key dates in the state’s reopening plan. Industries across the board can increase capacity to 80%, and on May 28, all capacity limits will lift.
© WLNE-TV 2021
