The program to close off Kirkwood Avenue on weekends to allow for more outdoor seating for restaurants is being extended through the end of the year.
The Bloomington City Council voted to push the end date of the street closure from Sept. 30 to Dec. 31.
READ MORE: Kirkwood Ave. Closure Receives Final Approval From City Council
The city’s Department of Economic Sustainability and Development said it heard mostly positive feedback from downtown businesses, but the one main complaint was about limited customer parking.
Council president Steve Volan said the few parking spots affected by the closure shouldn’t make a huge difference in customer traffic.
“I think that closing the street is a fantastic idea. I don’t think that one or two parking spots is going to damage anybody’s business," Volan said.
Volan predicts the council will consider the program again next year when the weather warms up.
"We expect ongoing support from the council, which we think will be needed on this well into 2021," city Director of Economic Sustainability Alex Crowley said.
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