Downtown Ventura bringing businesses out to the streets

VENTURA, Calif.-- The Downtown Ventura Association is working on a pilot program to help boost the economy in Downtown Ventura. It includes letting local businesses expand into the streets.

Downtown Ventura is hoping to bounce back after nearly 11 weeks of being closed.

“We came up with this concept where we felt like if we closed portions of Main Street, which is our core, we can give people more space, more free movement to get around and not feel too congested on our sidewalk,” said Kevin Clerici, executive director for Downtown Ventura.

The Ventura City Council approved the idea of “Taking Over The Streets.” The Downtown organization is now waiting for the city to grant the a permit.

The concept involves shutting down four to six blocks on Main Street so businesses can expand into the road.

“So this idea of taking over the streets allows them to bring their tables and chairs into the streets,” said Clerici. “It allows our merchants to bring merchandise out.”

The pilot program was designed to help businesses recover financially from the pandemic.

“This would allow people to come 24/7 for a 30-day trial period,” said Clerici. “People can come in the morning, and they can stay late into the evening.”

Downtown Ventura is working with the police and fire departments to control traffic and keep everyone safe.

“People who want to get out and have human interaction can,” said Clerici. “They would have more ability to move about freely and not feel congested. We are working hard to try to get it to begin probably in the beginning to middle of June. There is a lot of logistics and we do not want to rush it.”