Moody Street To Reopen To Traffic In December

WALTHAM, MA — Moody Street will reopen to traffic on Dec. 2.

"We're very thankful for the time that we had," said Tim Burke, who owns In A Pickle and Playmakers restaurants.

For the past five months the street has been closed to car traffic, in an effort to help restaurants and the shopping district with business. It has helped, say restaurant owners.

"In most people's opinion it was a huge success," Burke said. "Neither of my restaurants would have been able to be open had we not had outside dining."

The city told businesses that by the end of the day on Dec.1 to remove all their tables, umbrellas and tents outside. By Dec. 2, merchants and restaurants will not be permitted to have their setup outside any longer. That morning city crews will remove the barriers on Moody Street, and MBTA bus routes that have been detoured will return to their regular route the following day.

Waltham was one of the first communities to close a main street to cars in an effort to allow restaurants to expand outdoor seating into the street. It was a success, drawing thousands to dine, and by extension shop. Restaurant owners say this is why they've been able to stay in business. Watching the Moody Street success, other municipalities have given the street closures or some variation a try, too.

Earlier this summer, the city extended the street closure to October. Then in September, the traffic commission extended the closure to December.

Burke said the city and state agencies did a great job coordinating the closure to allow retail businesses to operate on the city's streets and sidewalks.

Burke said he was hopeful it would continue, but knew there was the possibility of an end date.

"I hope that the people of Waltham and the powers that be consider closing the street permanently," he said.

Even before the pandemic, businesses on Moody Street were struggling to keep up with rising rent and competition with online retailers, he said. Many businesses are worried that the pandemic may have accelerated that the new dependence on online retailers, further exacerbating local retailer's struggle.

"As 'Main Street' retailers we need to attract customers to our shops and restaurants," he said. "Giving them a nice, safe place to stroll, while enjoying the many restaurants and shops is great start."

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