Warmer weather is on the horizon, and with it comes the return of outdoor dining to Moody Street in Waltham. However, this year’s al fresco experience will have a notable difference: Moody Street will remain open to traffic, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from local businesses.
For many, the pedestrian-only setup on Moody Street during previous outdoor dining seasons was a resounding success. “Being able to come out, see people, walk around, see our community – that was great,” recalls Jeff Abellard, owner of Bistro 781, highlighting the vibrant community atmosphere the closed street fostered. Restaurants were able to expand onto the street, creating a lively, European-style dining scene that drew significant crowds.
This year, while restaurants can still utilize parking spaces for outdoor seating, the street itself will not be closed to vehicles. The City of Waltham decided to scale back the pedestrian-only approach after receiving feedback from residents and other businesses who felt negatively impacted by the street closures.
Sarfaraj Kapadia, a local resident, voiced a common concern: “I can’t get parking because all the customers come park over there.” Beyond parking issues, other “mom-and-pop” businesses along Moody Street reported feeling overshadowed by the bustling restaurants during pedestrian-only periods. These businesses, ranging from convenience stores to salons, expressed concerns that the focus on outdoor dining was diverting attention and customers away from their establishments. “All the other businesses are getting lost. Convenience store, the salon, mattress store or Family Dollar – everything,” Kapadia explained, emphasizing the broader business ecosystem on Moody Street.
However, many restaurant owners argue that keeping Moody Street open to traffic diminishes the appeal of outdoor dining. The pedestrian-friendly environment was a key element in creating a unique and attractive dining destination. “We’ve seen the big picture; we’ve seen the grand slam – that was amazing,” Abellard stated, referring to the successful periods when Moody Street was closed to traffic. The open street concept created a special ambiance that is difficult to replicate with cars driving by.
Waltham City Councilor Colleen Bradley-MacArthur recognizes the unique charm of a pedestrian Moody Street. “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 effort to recapture some of that atmosphere, she is proposing bringing back the open streets concept once a month during the summer.
This proposal, however, is already facing opposition from some quarters. Harish Chawla, a salon owner, declared, “We will fight it, all 75 people, small business owners, we will fight it,” indicating a strong resistance from businesses other than restaurants to any street closures, even limited ones.
For Moody Street restaurants that have invested significantly in outdoor dining setups, consistency is a key concern. They are seeking clarity and predictability for the season. “I say we have to do it or we don’t,” Abellard suggested, emphasizing the need for a clear direction. The fluctuating approach to Moody Street closures leaves restaurants in a precarious position, making it difficult to plan and manage their outdoor dining services effectively and meet customer expectations.
The debate surrounding outdoor dining on Moody Street reflects a broader discussion about balancing the needs of different types of businesses and residents within a vibrant urban environment. While outdoor dining is undoubtedly a popular draw, its implementation needs to consider the diverse interests of the entire Moody Street community to ensure a thriving and inclusive business environment for all.
