Eye Street will be closed to traffic beginning Monday in an effort to help local businesses.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor dining has not been permitted and many restaurants have been relying on outdoor dining. And in Downtown Bakersfield, there is limited space for most restaurants.

Earlier this month Wall Street Alley was turned into outdoor patio style seating for several restaurants.

The city will block traffic for eateries looking to expand outdoor seating.

"I think its a good idea and anything to get the business open and I see a lot of big businesses open but the smaller ones can't which I don't think it's fair so anything that will help families and local businesses get back to work. I don think this will be an incovnencie and we are all for it," said resident Joseph Gomez

The closure will begin Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.

Restaurants with approved COVID-19 special event permits will be allowed to participate. No parking signs will be displayed in the area.

The city said although the closure is temporary it will remain in effect as needed for restaurants to operate outdoors.