News Summary
The redesign of Tremont Street in Boston’s South End has posed significant challenges to local businesses, particularly Giorgiana’s Market. Owner Anna Barounis reports a drastic drop in customers and income due to reduced parking and lane changes meant to improve pedestrian safety. City officials are now re-evaluating the redesign, prompted by the concerns of local business owners about economic vitality in the area.
Boston’s South End Faces Challenges Following Tremont Street Redesign
In the bustling streets of Boston’s South End, business owners are feeling the pinch following a significant redesign of Tremont Street. Giorgiana’s Market, a beloved establishment since 1972, stands at the heart of this struggle. Owner Anna Barounis has been deeply affected by the changes brought on by a road redesign that many believe was well-intentioned but has had unintended consequences for local businesses.
The Road to Redesign
The redesign of Tremont Street was initiated after the city identified it as one of the most dangerous streets for pedestrians in Boston, ranking in the top 3% for pedestrian crashes. City officials began planning for these improvements back in 2018, spurred by the tragic fatalities of two pedestrians in 2015 and 2017. Construction commenced in late 2021 after plans were finalized earlier that year, aiming to enhance safety for walkers and cyclists alike.
However, this effort to improve pedestrian safety came at a cost. The changes reduced the road from four lanes to primarily two, adding bike lanes and dedicated bus stops that include in-lane boarding islands. While these changes may benefit safety and sustainability, they have also led to significant challenges for businesses situated along the roadway.
Business Blues
Giorgiana’s Market has seen its business cut nearly in half since the construction began. A once-thriving hub for breakfast and lunch, customer visits during peak hours have plummeted from around 30 to just 10. Barounis has cut her staffing from three kitchen workers during busy times to a mere one, making the market heavily reliant on catering services to stay afloat.
The loss of at least 30 parking spots near the market due to the redesign has not helped matters. With fewer places for customers to park, many are opting to stay away from the South End altogether. This situation has not only affected Giorgiana’s but has also led to a noticeable rise in “for lease” signs dotting the neighborhood, signaling a worrying trend for the community’s economic vitality.
City Officials Take Notice
In light of the growing discontent among local business owners, City Councilor Ed Flynn has initiated discussions to review the effectiveness of the redesign. Concerns about accessibility for emergency vehicles during peak hours have also been raised, prompting a closer examination of how these changes are impacting the community.
Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has observed mixed feelings within the constituency regarding the new bike lanes, highlighting that while some appreciate increased safety for cyclists, others worry about the impact on neighborhood businesses. As part of a broader assessment, the Wu administration has proposed a 30-day review of all street modifications made during the mayor’s first term, including the controversial changes on Tremont Street.
Challenges Continue
Adding to the difficulties faced by the South End is a recent water main break on Tremont Street, bringing further complications to an already troubled area. With flooding issues arising and the ongoing impacts of the redesign, business prospects remain murky. Barounis has expressed that the challenges brought on by the redesign feel more severe than those experienced during the pandemic, which already strained many local establishments.
Despite a push for improvements, local residents and business owners are left grappling with the new reality on Tremont Street. As the community tries to adapt, many are hoping for solutions that balance safety with the livelihood of local businesses. The ongoing saga of Tremont Street serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in urban planning, where the best intentions can sometimes lead to unintended fallout.
As Boston’s South End navigates these changes, the resilience of its local businesses and the support of the community will be critical in overcoming these challenges. Only time will tell if the changes spearheaded for safety will ultimately serve the best interests of the neighborhood.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Business Owner Concerns
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Eater Boston: Best Dollar Oysters
- Google Search: Boston Business Owner Worries
- WHDH: Water Main Break on Tremont Street
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- NBC Boston: Large Water Main Break
- Google News: Boston Water Main Break
