WALTHAM – The much-anticipated return of outdoor dining to Moody Street in Waltham is on the horizon, but this year, it comes with a significant change that has sparked debate among local businesses. While restaurants will once again be able to offer al fresco seating, Moody Street will remain open to vehicular traffic, a departure from the pedestrian-only model that defined previous seasons.
This shift marks a notable change for Moody Street’s outdoor dining scene. Jeff Abellard, owner of Bistro 781, acknowledged the altered landscape, stating, “I think we’re going to have outdoor dining, I think it’s going to be restricted.” The pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, which proved to be a major attraction during the pandemic, drawing significant crowds and fostering a strong sense of community, will be different this year.
“Being able to come out, see people, walk around, see our community – that was great,” Abellard reflected on the previous pedestrian-only experience. The decision to scale back the street closure comes in response to feedback from Waltham residents who voiced concerns about parking availability.
Sarfaraj Kapadia, a local resident, explained the parking frustrations, “I can’t get parking because all the customers come park over there.” Beyond parking issues for residents, other businesses on Moody Street, not directly benefiting from outdoor dining, also expressed feeling overshadowed by the bustling restaurant scene. Kapadia further elaborated on this point, “All the other businesses are getting lost. Convenience store, the salon, mattress store or Family Dollar – everything.”
However, the prospect of outdoor dining without the pedestrian-only street closure has left many restaurant owners concerned that the unique appeal of Moody Street’s outdoor dining experience will be diminished. “We’ve seen the big picture; we’ve seen the grand slam – that was amazing,” Abellard stated, highlighting the success of the fully pedestrianized street.
Waltham City Councilor Colleen Bradley-MacArthur recognizes the distinctive atmosphere created by the street closures. “When it is closed off to cars, there is that community vibe that you can’t replace when it’s open to traffic,” she told WBZ-TV. In an attempt to recapture some of that atmosphere, Councilor Bradley-MacArthur is proposing bringing back the open streets concept on a monthly basis during the summer months.
This compromise, however, is facing resistance from some quarters. Harish Chawla, a salon owner on Moody Street, expressed opposition to even monthly closures, stating, “We will fight it, all 75 people, small business owners, we will fight it.”
For Moody Street restaurant owners who have invested significantly in outdoor dining setups, the primary concern is consistency. They believe that the fluctuating approach to street closures could negatively impact both their operations and customer expectations. Abellard summarized this sentiment, “I say we have to do it or we don’t,” suggesting a need for a clear and consistent approach to outdoor dining on Moody Street, “Either we go with it full tilt or not do it.”
The debate surrounding outdoor dining on Moody Street reflects the challenges of balancing the needs of different segments of the community – residents, restaurants, and other local businesses. As Waltham approaches the outdoor dining season, the future of Moody Street’s al fresco experience remains a topic of ongoing discussion and negotiation.
