Photo: Madison Rodgers/WBZ NewsRadio
WALTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The future of a pandemic-era summer staple in Waltham is up in the air.
Since the start of the pandemic, the City of Waltham has been closing Moody Street on the South Side of the city to cars and allowing pedestrians to walk the street freely during the summer. However, the city has not decided if it will close the street for the summer of 2023.
The walkable street was a big hit for many businesses in the area, particularly restaurants and boutiques, and many residents want to bring it back.
"People wouldn't normally stop if they're in a car," one Moody Street shopowner said. "It gives people the opportunity to see more things and allows people to come from different areas."
Not all of the streets' businesses want to bring back the traffic closure though. The owner of Neeta's Heritage Threading Salon said many salons and barber shops do not want the street to close again because it makes it harder for the regulars to get to their businesses.
Read More: 7 Arrested For Stealing Catalytic Converters From Over 470 Vehicles
"Three years ago I was so excited [I thought] there was going to be more business," he said. "But the second year we lost a lot of business and the third year we lost a lot of business. [There was] nobody coming in."
Some city councilors are pushing to bring back the summer closures. Meanwhile, the mayor has proposed a compromise that would make Moody Street a one-way street Sunday through Thursday and pedestrian-only on the weekends. A decision is expected sometime later this month.
WBZ's Madison Rodgers (@madisonwbz) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App