Chifrijo, a Peruvian restaurant on Main Street in Ansonia, posted this photo showing its outdoor seating space.
ANSONIA — The City of Ansonia is re-opening parks, but social distancing guidelines remain in effect, police announced Tuesday. However, basketball courts and playground remain closed.
“Under the partial reopening plan approved through Governor Lamont’s Office, the City of Ansonia would like to announce the lifting of some local restrictions,” police said in a statement posted to Facebook. “Ansonia City Parks and the Ansonia Riverwalk will reopen on May 20, 2020, and will be accessible to citizens once again. Fishing will also be allowed in City Parks. This will allow Ansonia residents to once again enjoy our parks.”
Police note people should wear masks, and that Gov. Ned Lamont has not lifted the ban of social gatherings of more than five people.
“Therefore, groups should not form within the parks. Additionally, the City of Ansonia Basketball Courts and playground equipment will still be closed to the public,” police said.
In an email to The Valley Indy Wednesday morning, Greg Martin, Ansonia’s director of constituent services, noted the openings include the city’s riverwalk, the Nolan Field track, the Colony Park picnic grounds, grilling area and hiking trails. Colony Pond is open for fishing, kayaking and rowboats (nothing with motors).
People should keep in mind group gatherings are more than five people are still not allowed.
Today (May 20) will also see some restaurants starting to serve customers outdoors.
Just how many restaurants will offer the service remains to be seen.
Management and staff of three eateries interviewed by The Valley Indy this week said they were still planning to do takeout only because they did not believe they could make money with outdoor seating due to reduced capacity because of COVID-19 and reduced hours.
Local governments in Derby and Ansonia have been issuing applications that allow outdoor dining, and are expected to issue more more today.
The businesses must first self-certify through a state website, then file paperwork with the city.
Here’s the Ansonia paperwork:
Ansonia Outdoor Dining Appl… by The Valley Indy on Scribd
Ansonia government released a statement on Facebook May 18 saying public works had spruced up Main Street in anticipating of alfresco dining.
The city had been talking about closing Main Street (a state road) to allow expanded outdoor dining. The City of Ansonia is still working on that plan. Main Street will not close today.
