Letter: Neighbors Should Support Positive Development

Dear members of the South End community:

Washington Street is a historically vital commercial and transportation artery for the City of Boston. Dating back to the 19th century, Washington Street was the only road into Boston and as such, was lined with commercial activity, residential uses and transportation hubs. Washington Street has seen its share of ups and downs through the years and has not always been the bustling street it is now with renowned restaurants and unique, locally owned businesses. Significant time, effort and money have been invested by residents, businesses, government and stakeholders to revitalize the neighborhood that we all enjoy today. 

Since its inception in 1997, Washington Gateway Main Street has worked to build relationships with businesses, residents, property owners, developers, and government to create a vibrant commercial district that meets the needs of residents while attracting visitors from other parts of the city.

A linchpin of Washington Gateway Main Street’s revitalization strategy has been mixed-use development. Simply put, mixed-use means that buildings function in a number of ways – they contain residences, typically on the upper floors, and commercial space on the ground floor. Having a variety of uses ensures there are a number of people around at any given time of day, creating a vibrant streetscape; it creates safer areas than those that are either all commercial or residential.   

Recently, two mixed-use development proposals – the Hite TV site and 35 W. Newton St. – were met with opposition from a small but vocal group of residents. Trash, noise, smells, sightlines and privacy were issues that the residents said would negatively impact their homes and the neighborhood. In other words, they were saying, “not in my backyard.” 

This attitude is detrimental to dense, safe, vibrant urban living that we enjoy in the South End. The benefits of mixed-use projects can been seen today on Washington Street and throughout the South End. And it is likely the reason many current and new residents have chosen to move to our neighborhood.

These opponents are not only saying no to new restaurants and residences, they are saying no to local entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. They are saying no to growing economic activity, increasing the tax base and creating new jobs for their neighbors. They are saying no to the types of businesses that have made Washington Street what it is today and are needed to continue making our neighborhood as stable as it is and as desirable as it has become.   

These are not the first hurdles that the revitalization of Washington Street has encountered, nor will they be the last. For the neighborhood to continue to flourish, it needs to be dynamic and open to change. Currently, the commercial district is strong – the Washington Gateway Main Street district has a 95% occupancy rate – and with the collaborative work of the neighborhood, Washington Street and the South End will continue to prosper and be a great place for all to live, work and visit. 

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of Washington Gateway Main Street

Marc LaCasse, President

Craig Nicholson, Vice President and Clerk

Michael Semizoglou, Treasurer

Guy Busa

Kate Moran Carter

Stephen Chan

Michael Colby

Jonathan Greeley

Bud Larievy

Christina Lewis

Carla Richards

Matthew White

Nicholas Fedor, Executive Director