As warmer weather approaches, Waltham’s popular Moody Street is once again preparing for outdoor dining. However, this year’s experience will be different from what many have come to expect and enjoy. While restaurants will be able to offer outdoor seating, Moody Street will remain open to vehicle traffic, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from local businesses.
Moody Street Stays Open to Traffic: A Shift from Pedestrian-Only
Restaurants on Waltham Moody Street will still be permitted to set up outdoor dining areas in parking spaces. Yet, a significant change from previous initiatives is that Moody Street will not be closed off to cars. The pedestrian-only concept, which was implemented during the pandemic, proved to be a major attraction, drawing significant crowds and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Jeff Abellard, owner of Bistro 781, reflected on the positive aspects of the street closure, stating, “Being able to come out, see people, walk around, see our community – that was great.” The open street policy allowed residents and visitors to experience Moody Street in a new way, prioritizing pedestrian access and creating a lively environment for outdoor dining.
Resident and Business Concerns Lead to Change
The decision to reopen Moody Street to traffic comes after the City of Waltham received feedback from residents and other local businesses expressing concerns. Parking availability was a primary issue for residents, as highlighted by Sarfaraj Kapadia, who noted, “I can’t get parking because all the customers come park over there.”
Beyond parking, some non-restaurant businesses on Moody Street felt that the pedestrian-only closures inadvertently overshadowed their operations. Kapadia further explained, “All the other businesses are getting lost. Convenience store, the salon, mattress store or Family Dollar – everything.” These businesses voiced that the focus on outdoor dining detracted from their customer traffic and visibility.
Restaurants Express Disappointment and Seek Consistency
Despite the city’s decision to accommodate broader concerns, many Moody Street restaurants argue that maintaining traffic flow diminishes the appeal of outdoor dining. The closure of Moody Street had created a unique and successful atmosphere, which restaurants fear will be lost.
Abellard emphasized the success of the pedestrian-only model, saying, “We’ve seen the big picture; we’ve seen the grand slam – that was amazing.” For these establishments, the open street concept was not just about expanded seating; it was about creating an experience that attracted patrons and fostered a strong sense of community.
Proposal for Monthly Open Streets and Ongoing Debate
Waltham City Councilor Colleen Bradley-MacArthur recognizes the value of the pedestrian-only approach and is advocating for a compromise. She told WBZ-TV, “When it is closed off to cars, there is that community vibe that you can’t replace when it’s open to traffic.” Bradley-MacArthur is proposing to bring back the open streets concept on Moody Street once a month during the summer months.
However, this proposal is already facing resistance from some businesses. Harish Chawla, a salon owner, stated, “We will fight it, all 75 people, small business owners, we will fight it,” indicating a continued divide within the Moody Street business community.
Restaurant owners who have invested in outdoor dining infrastructure are seeking predictability and consistency in city policy. Abellard articulated this sentiment, suggesting, “I say we have to do it or we don’t. Either we go with it full tilt or not do it.” As Waltham prepares for another season of outdoor dining on Moody Street, the debate over balancing the needs of restaurants, residents, and other businesses remains ongoing.
