The City of Newburgh has launched a pilot permit application process in an effort to expand access for socially distant recreation opportunities. Community members and businesses can apply for event permits for summer activities in public spaces and on City-owned properties while complying with social distancing and other COVID-19 rules and regulations.

Businesses, including restaurants, may apply to host events in front of their establishments. Nearby businesses are encouraged to plan events in conjunction, as the entire block will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the experience. Liberty Street between Ann and Washington will be closed to traffic on July 10 and 11, and July 17 and 18 from 3 p.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Saturday. As the summer unfolds, the City will be holding a number of other recreational events for the community.

Applicants seeking permits for Block Parties must provide a site map and a written proposal detailing the location of planned activities, social distancing measures, protocols for enforcement of social distancing, as well as other planned safety precautions. Block party events will be limited to 25 participants at any given time, and masks must be worn at all times except during seated food and drink consumption. Event permit applications can be found on the City of Newburgh Forms & Documents webpage atcityofnewburgh-ny.gov/files/. Applications will be reviewed with special attention paid to ensure the health and safety of event participants.

Restaurants or other establishments serving alcohol may only be permitted to occupy designated areas in conjunction with an updated SLA application. Restaurants seeking to serve food/drink on an adjacent sidewalk or parking area must submit a Sidewalk Café Permit application. The Sidewalk Café Permit application can be found on the City of Newburgh Reopening Guidelines webpage at cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/ReopeningGuidelines

All events must comply with the following health and safety requirements:

• All event applications must comply with Chapter 110 of the City of Newburgh Code of Ordinances.

• Events must leave one lane of traffic open and remain free of obstacles at all times in order to facilitate police or fire vehicle access, if necessary.

• Applicants must provide a pre-drafted letter to each business and residential unit on the block notifying them of the date/time of the event and access rules.

• Applicants must place signs along the block and on car windshields. Applicants will be provided the draft language for the letter, as well as an address list of each residential unit and/or business that must be notified. Applicants will also have to attest that the information was distributed.

If an application is approved, the City will provide:

• Basic safety barriers or bollards for placement in designated spaces along the street (number of barriers or bollards may be limited based on availability).

• A permit placard that details the date, time, and nature of the street closure must be posted and maintained by the applicant in a conspicuous location designated by the City.