Magoun Square business suffers after new parking rules in Somerville

On April 14, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

By George P. Hassett

A $3 million roadway project began in Magoun Square last week but the neighborhood's ward alderman continues to voice concerns about the neighborhood's economic struggles.

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan submitted six strongly worded items at last week's Board of Aldermen meeting regarding the negative impact new city parking regulations are having on locally owned businesses already dealing with a severe economic downturn.

"The timing [of new, strict parking regulations] couldn't have been worse," O'Donovan said Thursday. "There are empty storefronts in Magoun Square and two businesses that have been anchors of Magoun Square are considering leaving."

The $3 million project will include new traffic lights, brick-paved sidewalks, landscaping and pedestrian furniture.

At last week's meeting, O'Donovan asked that new parking rules – including metered parking spots until 10 p.m. – be relaxed until a Green Line stop arrives in 2014. O'Donovan also asked that the administration stop combining Magoun with Davis Square for uniform parking regulations.

Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz said city officials should reconsider the recently imposed parking rules as local businesses have struggled during the recession.

"[Parking] is an issue that affects people at their very core," Gewirtz said. "People feel [tighter parking regulations] are unfair and unjust and it's really just a ploy to raise cash for the city."