PRESS RELEASE

The Long Beach Open Streets Initiative continues to provide COVID-19 support for local businesses. Beginning Friday, Sept. 25, Pine Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets will  close to vehicular traffic to accommodate a second Pine Avenue Open Streets location. The closure will provide outdoor space for dining and other approved services. This Open Streets closure is in addition to the current closure on Pine Avenue, between 1st and 3rd Streets.

“Open Streets, and particularly the innovative use of Pine Avenue, has been incredibly exciting to watch take hold,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Businesses are thriving outdoors and it’s been a great experience for diners and our restaurants in these spaces.”

In addition to the Pine Avenue closures, more than 100 parklet locations have been installed throughout the city, providing businesses with an outdoor space to provide physically-distanced services. 

“With its concentration of businesses and restaurants, Downtown needs as much outdoor space as possible so business can thrive and residents have safe access to services,” said Councilwoman Mary Zendajas. 

“It’s been exciting to see Pine Avenue come back to life with the installation of Open Streets,” said Councilmember Jeannine Pearce. “The expansion of this program is a welcomed development with the opportunity to create diverse and vibrant corridors.”

While vehicular traffic on Pine Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets will be prohibited, 4th Street and 5th Street both will remain open to accommodate through traffic. Marked loading and delivery zones have been established throughout the area to accommodate curbside pick-up.

“As always, DLBA supports building a strong consensus among stakeholders, as was accomplished with those located on Pine Avenue between 1st and 3rd Streets,” said President and CEO of Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) Kraig Kojian. “We will continue to communicate and collaborate with our partners and monitor the reactions from establishments located within this section of Pine Avenue.”

The Open Streets Initiative was approved by the City Council in June 2020 in response to State Health Orders closing indoor dining and other businesses due to COVID-19. On Sept. 15, the City Council approved the closure of Pine Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets, providing additional space for businesses along the corridor to operate.

Participating businesses must adhere to the current City of Long Beach Health Order and complete the Business Open Streets Interest Form. Additional information on the Pine Avenue closure and resources for businesses in the area can be found on the Pine Avenue Closure page.

Long Beach businesses interested in having a parklet or outdoor space at their location should visit the Long Beach Open Streets page to learn more and fill out an online inquiry form. Parklet installation and street closures are free to businesses

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly rated school district, Long Beach Airport and the Port of Long Beach. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 171 parks, miles of beaches, marinas and bike paths.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Public Works
The Long Beach Public Works Department strives to operate, preserve, and enhance the City's physical infrastructure and transportation systems, as well as preserve the upkeep of the cityscape with a robust refuse and recycling service that serves more than 120,000 residential and commercial customers. The Department provides a variety of community services including the repair, rehabilitation and general upkeep of City streets, trees, sidewalks, and City structures. Public Works also provides emergency support services throughout the City.

Visit us at http://www.longbeach.gov/pw/, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

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