As the weather turns cooler and indoor dining is still tightly restricted due to COVID-19, restaurants are looking for ways to keep the alfresco season going.
Amherst town officials said they are seeking a $200,000 Shared Streets grant and some of that money would be used to purchase 20 outdoor heaters at about $2,000 each, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported.
The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) director said the organization is looking into purchasing 30 outdoor heaters for area restaurants.
As a college town, Amherst restaurants have been particularly hit hard by the COVID-19 recession. With fewer students and staff on the town’s three college campuses - UMass, Amherst and Hampshire colleges - there are fewer people to dine in the eateries.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Amherst and receive free news updates.