EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby announced a new program allowing downtown businesses to convert public parking spaces and other public property into outdoor dining and retail areas, effective immediately. The initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses and activate Easthampton’s downtown streetscape.

Pursuant to a mayoral order, businesses located on Main Street, Union Street, and Cottage Street are now eligible to apply for permission to use adjacent public parking or property for restaurant seating or retail display space.

“This program gives our downtown businesses a real opportunity to expand their footprint, draw more customers outside, and create a vibrant street-level atmosphere,” Derby said. “We want to make it as easy as possible for Easthampton businesses to thrive.”

Eligible businesses may submit an application to the Mayor’s Office at [email protected]. Applications are reviewed in coordination with the Police, Fire, DPW, Building, and Health departments.

Approved businesses are responsible for all costs associated with the conversion and must provide concrete barriers or similar materials to separate their space from vehicle traffic. All spaces must meet ADA accessibility requirements, including minimum 36-inch pathways and accessible seating options.

EASTHAMPTON — With temperatures forecast to drop significantly over the next few days, the city of Easthampton will have a warming center open to support anyone in need of a safe, warm space during extreme cold conditions. From Saturday, Jan. 24 through Monday, Jan. 26, the Easthampton Public Safety Complex, located at 32 Payson Ave., will be open 24 hours as needed.

The city also offers tips for what to do during extreme cold weather:

• Reduce outdoor activity for the whole family, including pets.

• Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of one heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your arms, legs, hands, and feet. Cover your mouth with a scarf to help protect your lungs.

• Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

• Ensure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are properly ventilated.

• If you lose heat, move everyone into a single room. At night, cover windows and exterior doors with extra blankets or sheets.

• Wrap pipes with insulation or layers of newspapers covered in plastic to help prevent freezing.

• Let a small trickle of warm water run from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes.

• If pipes freeze, open all faucets fully, remove insulation, and warm the pipe with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.