BARBERTON, Ohio — Starting today, Barberton will close sections of West Tuscarawas and West Park avenues for the event called “Seats in the Streets,” which is aimed to give restaurants and businesses a little extra space as they welcome customers back.
The hope is to increase foot traffic for businesses and give residents an opportunity to wander around after two months of stay-at-home guidelines.
“This will ensure and help that there is more pedestrian traffic throughout downtown,” said Barberton Mayor William Judge.
But city officials have a concern about safety. Earlier this year, the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival was canceled because of fights and arrests at last year’s event.
"We will have first responders downtown and there could be other enforcement agencies throughout the area,” he added.
The public won’t be able to order or drink alcohol outside. A committee for the city will evaluate how this soft opening goes and will see what can be expended in the future.
