The Third Decade

Bravo for Boloco

The boys at Boloco continue to impress me with their customer response! After my last post, I received an email from the CEO. In a nutshell, he said that the company has taken a look at Dudley Square before and is interested in the area. The square presents some challenges, but if any potential retail locations were to open, he suggested that I send a note. I don't have enough experience in the restaurant business to know what size or kind of space would be appropriate. However, if anyone reading this does, feel free to send me a message and I will forward responses.

Let's bring burritos - and other types of eateries - to the people! Neighbors, we are responsible for the development of our community. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a JP Licks down Dudley, too. FYI, these are local companies. As we develop the heart of Boston, let's be sure to support Boston-based businesses.

One final tangential thought: why not have a one day food fair in Dudley with samples of Boloco burritos, JP Licks ice cream, Upper Crust pizza, and food from other local eateries? Although it falls very short of opening retail locations in the square, at least it would be an introduction to the community and demonstrate an openness in reaching out to a new market. I'm just sayin'.

From Filenes to Ferdinand

Y'know, it's great that the mayor is taking action on the Filene's site downtown. Simply put, it's a mess. But where's the word from hizzoner when it comes to the holes in the ground further down Washington Street? The site of the former Gaiety Theater was razed in 2005 and has been a barren gravel pit ever since. Once across the Mass Pike, underdeveloped and underperforming parcels of land exist all the way down to the Ferdinand Building in Dudley Square. The Ferdinand site, by the way, is owned by the City. So, where's the fuss about that, Mr. Mayor? Roxbury has been looking forward to seeing that project move forward for years. A ribbon cutting was held in May 2008. The BRA held a design charrette to develop ideas for the area in the fall of 2009. Supposedly a winner would be announced after the last mayoral election in November 2009, but I haven't seen anything materialize yet. I'm not saying that the City has to start building tomorrow, but at least announce the winner and show us that there's a cohesive plan (perhaps you remember the photo above?).

C'mon, Mr. Mayor, address development in the city in a holistic manner. What's good for downtown is also good for the neighborhoods. Address our problems as aggressively as you're addressing those where the tourists and suburbanites go. We want progress, too!