Dozens of Greater Hartford restaurants are leaping at the chance to expand their outdoor seating as Connecticut begins to reopen its economy.

Gov. Ned Lamont declared that restaurants are allowed to reopen with take-out and outdoor dining only starting Wednesday. Lamont also issued an order last week that gives municipalities freedom to fast-track proposals to accommodate this by modifying zoning and permitting processes.

The Hartford Courant reports Hartford and other municipalities are asking restaurants to apply for special permits for outdoor dining, while in West Hartford the town is contemplating taking street space away from cars for dining space, but needs to buy concrete barriers to protect diners. The paper also notes Manchester has already closed a street in town for dining.