Waltham To Close Moody Street In 2022 To Help Local Businesses

WALTHAM, MA — The Waltham Traffic Commission voted Thursday to once again close Moody Street to traffic from May 1 through October 31, allowing for more space for outdoor dining.

The decision, which affects Moody Street from High Street to Pine Street, reflects the city’s ongoing support of restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the height of the pandemic in spring 2020, Waltham was one of the first cities in the state to completely close a roadway to allow restaurants more space for outdoor dining. Because of this, it was held up as an example by communities across the commonwealth.

“It’s clear that this has been an inevitable point of pride for our city,” said Ward 9 City Councilor Jonathan Paz. “It's been actually helping revitalize the downtown and making it an attractive place to be."

Although some businesses have expressed concern that the lack of street parking will cause them to lose business, many Waltham residents spoke at the meeting to express their support of the street closure and even advocate for a more permanent solution in the future.

“We are in full support of opening up Moody Street to the pedestrians,” said Lisa Lorgeree, President of the Downtown Waltham Partnership. It’s been a great thing for our restaurants, its been a great thing for our residents, I know I personally love it.”

The Waltham Traffic Commission will continue to discuss the details of the closure in the coming weeks. To watch Thursday’s full meeting, click here.

This article originally appeared on the Waltham Patch