SYLVANIA, Ohio — This weekend the City of Sylvania blocked off a small section of Maplewood Avenue for an outdoor sitting area. It may seem like a simple idea, but it's made a huge difference to downtown.
"It'll help out a lot. The fact that there's not a lot of seating right now in downtown Sylvania. So with the DORA in affect it gives people a great option to grab some food or drinks to go or even on a nice day come down and get out of your house for a little bit," said Brandon Fields.
Fields, the owner of Inside the Five says in just 24 hours the feedback has been fantastic.
"They love it! We have seen a lot of people out here. This is for everyone. This is not something you have to get food or drinks to use these picnic tables. This is the communities way to support and come hang out and keep your social distance while still being together," said Fields.
The last two months have been tough on restaurants as being forced to take out only. This sitting area is a beacon of hope for area businesses.
"We are all for it. The fact that this great weather and because of this we can open up our garage to let people enjoy beers to go and so they don't have to come inside to do so," said Fields.
The seating area will be in place for the foreseeable future.
Right now the city doesn't have a time frame or end date for it.