Gov. Baker Will Sign Order To Reopen Arcades, Extend Outdoor Dining Expansion Permits

Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday plans to sign a pair of executive orders dealing with outdoor dining and arcade reopenings.

In a visit to the Medford restaurant Bistro 5, Baker said he would sign an order allowing indoor and outdoor arcades to open next week and another that will "extend the time-frame for municipal permitting for expanded outdoor dining."

"That expansion will help restaurants like this one continue serving guests in their outdoor space on the same basic terms that have been permitted since June, and we hope this eases the burden on restaurants and extends their season for outdoor dining as well," Baker said.

Baker also announced another $5 million in Massachusetts Department of Transportation and federal CARES Act funding would be made available through the Shared Streets and Spaces program, which helps create space for socially distanced commerce, dining and walking.

The money doubles the program to $10 million, and Baker said Shared Streets has given out $7.7 million to fund 91 projects.

Bistro 5, Baker said, is one of several restaurants in Medford that's been able to provide outdoor dining space by using the money to acquire Jersey barriers to block off an area and other materials. As the weather gets colder, Baker said, Shared Streets money can also go to heaters and special lighting to to help restaurants extend their outdoor seasons.