HANOVER, N.H. (WCAX) – A new pilot project in downtown Hanover, New Hampshire, aims to create more outdoor space for music and dining.
Beginning June 26, Allen Street will be closed to cars. The one-way street off Main Street will be closed until Aug. 26.
Like many communities, outdoor dining in Hanover became popular during the COVID pandemic. The pilot project hopes to build on that momentum to make Hanover a more vibrant downtown.
The city will meet Monday to approve an ordinance that will allow for food and music on the street.
“We started this with just small events, closing Allen Street for an afternoon. Then it grew into block parties that would be closed for the whole weekend. And from that we decided to see what would happen for an extended period of time,” said Liz Burdette of Hanover Parks and Recreation.
Groups will also be able to rent out the street for public events.
Hanover Parks and Recreation will serve ice cream on Allen Street on the first day of the closure.