The Village government has recently adopted several measures to assist Croton businesses struggling under Covid-related public health and safety regulations. One new licensing procedure allows for the sale of products from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from booths and tables placed in parking spaces within designated areas in the Upper Village, Harmon and Section B of the train station’s parking lot. The license fee is $125 per issuance.

Acting at its June 22nd Work Session, the Board also showed support for a more festive commercial atmosphere in the Upper Village and Harmon areas during Graduation Week by allowing street vending to be conducted in licensed spots on Thursday, June 25th and Friday, June 26th.

Would you like more options for dining in Croton’s parks and sidewalks? Well, on June 22nd the Village Board adopted a fee of $100 per day for vendors to sell food in Village parks, subject to the approval of the Village Manager and receipt of proof of the necessary insurance/health permits. In addition, the Village Board revised an existing resolution from 1993 which permits retailers to place tables/displays on the sidewalk area directly fronting their storefronts. Provided that at least 4 feet of clearance is maintained for unobstructed pedestrian traffic, the outdoor dining/displays are permitted 7 days per week, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Finally, to broaden sidewalk dining square footage in the Upper Village, detours have been created that divert pedestrians into parking spaces, serving effectively as short bypass lanes. These measures together allow for a “Win-Win-Win” scenario; for customers seeking to dine outdoors, for retailers desiring expanded table space to boost revenue, and for pedestrians are not forced to dodge packed tables when passing by.

It is hoped that local business patrons enjoy these increased dining and shopping options as we pass through this pandemic era.

John Habib, Trustee