The Village of Cooperstown is taking steps to try and spur business activity and boost the local economy with a special event.
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Coopstown outors.
We toldyou a e initiative that starts monday.
But tonight -- we're learning just how it will work.
Newschannel 2's kirk tupaj tells us about the idea behind 'cooperstown outdoors'.
Sot: kirk tupaj foot traffic here in the village of cooperstown is almost non-existent, but the village mayor and the village trustees have come up with a way to try and change that.
It's being called cooperstown outdoors.
Using two existing laws, the village is allowing businesses to utilize sidewalk space to sell their goods.
You simply apply for a permit, and show proof of insurance.
Village of cooperstown mayor ellen tillapaugh says the permit fees are being waved, so everyone has the opportunity to participate.
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None sot: mayor ellen tillapaugh, village of cooperstown what we're trying to do is just support our local community.
We want these businesses to be here through the winter months, through next year.
Business owner laura tolbert tells me she plans on working as many hours as she can to get the register ringing, and that she plans on taking advantage of any opportunity that will spur business.
Sot: laura tolbert, owner all about the girls i'm excited about the idea.
It's giving us a chance to put things out and people to come together as a community.
It's exciting.
Hopefully consumers will be just as excited.
The mayor talked about how hard the area has been financially impacted.
Sot: mayor ellen tillapaugh, village of cooperstown i have seen figures that this area has lost $250 million in tourist business, and some have projected that much higher.
Vin russo owns a shop on main street called mickey's place.
He thinks he may try a sidewalk sale, but past figures just don't add up.
Sot: vincent russo, owner mickey's place it cost a little over $100 to have somebody outside for 8 hours.
Now you would need to generate somewhere around $200- $225.
Per day simply to pay for your goods and then to pay for that person.
So there's some real question as to whether or not that can be done.
Sot: kirk tupaj friday marks 2 weeks since phase 1 of new york's reopening plan went into effect.
Businesses here are anxious to begin phase 2, and hopefully start generating some income.
In cooperstown, i'm kirk tupaj reporting for newschannel 2.
> a local attorney is preparing a reopening packet for
Jon Shestakofsky and Tim Mead give their thoughts following the announcement