BALTIMORE — Walk down The Avenue in Hampden and you'll see plenty of shops with signage stating they're still closed. However, few reopened Wednesday after Mayor Jack Young gave the okay.
Susannah Siger, owner of Ma Petite Shoe, is one the few non-essential businesses owners choosing to reopen.
"We're preparing for curbside pickup," said Siger. "I see this as another option as long as it's done safely."
Curbside delivery/pickup is the only option available for retailers as customers are still not allowed inside stores.
Under new revisions by the city, parking zones will be provided for cars pulling up. Businesses are encouraged to apply with the city for temporary retail pick up/drop off zone designation.
A spokesperson for the Parking Authority of Baltimore City, the department vetting retail loading zone requests, said ten businesses have applied.
While not required, they are encouraged.
Councilman Eric Costello told WMAR-2 News, the loading zones are meant to keep people safe.
"We understand that it's not going to work for every single business and location," said Costello. "We encourage everyone to use a common sense approach when interacting with each other."
Despite the loosening of restrictions for some retailers, churches, gyms, barbershops and salons remained closed.
