WEST CHESTER — The Gay Street Open-Air Market Place will start Wednesday, June 16.

Shoppers will peruse merchandise placed on sidewalks, while diners will be able to eat and drink under the stars.

Last year’s inaugural pandemic-inspired street closure was wildly successful. The downtown became an even bigger destination for visitors from all over the Delaware Valley.

As pandemic numbers continue to decrease this year, restaurants will be able to open up both outside and inside.

Permission from the Federal Highway Administration, Borough Council and PennDOT has been secured, after the start date was pushed back due to underground PECO transformer work.

Gay Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Matlack Street to Darlington Street, while the cross streets will still be open to vehicle traffic.

Mayor Jordan Norley is looking forward to again dining al fresco.

“Last Summer, the Open Air Market Place served as a bright place during a dark time,” Norley said. “It was a win for our residents, a win for businesses, and a win for the West Chester community.

“We learned a lot about what worked and what didn’t with its structure in 2020, and this year, I’m so excited that we’re not only reintroducing it in 2021, but improving on it. I look forward to seeing so many happy faces on Gay St. on June 16.”

John O’Brien, executive director the Business Improvement District is pleased.

“Our small businesses endured an incredibly brutal year with the pandemic,” O’Brien said. “We are looking to make 2021 ‘The Year of Recovery.’

“The Open-Air Market received a lot of positive support from the greater West Chester community and we are thrilled to be bringing it back this year! We hope everyone comes to West Chester to explore our great dining and shopping options this summer.

“I would like to thank West Chester Borough Council, Mayor Jordan Norley, State Representative Dianne Herrin, State Senator Carolyn Comitta and Congresswoman Houlahan for all their work to get this approved.”

O’Brien said that the Open-Air Market will be following all relevant health guidelines from the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The permit that the borough received requires that this closure be 24/7. The permit is valid until Sept. 24.

Gay Street is state-owned. The major downtown east/west bypass, Chestnut Street, is controlled by the borough. The borough has proposed a road swap, which would close Gay Street to vehicular traffic without securing an annual permit. A decision on the trade is expected sometime this fall.

For more information on dining and shopping options in West Chester, please visit www.downtownwestchester.com.