LETTER: I Hate To See Medford Square 'Nosedive' with Empty Storefronts

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Medford resident William McAdoo, author of The Boston Foodie blog.

I was not only sad to hear that Bestsellers Cafe in Medford Square will be closing shortly but also quite disappointed. This independent bookseller was locally owned and operated and extremely dedicated to the community. Not only that but their business was doing well as most independent bookstores are being squeezed out.

It was a beautiful gathering spot and cafe in Medford Square but the high rent has pushed their business away. One would think that the City and community would do something to help them as they have been so supportive of us. I am a long-term resident and hate to see Medford Square nosedive with the empty storefronts like those on Forest Street (filled with rubble and debris clearly visible through the glass windows, especially by patrons of the Chevalier Theatre) and next to the sporting goods store on Salem Street. Both of these areas look like war zones rather than vital, growing shopping centers that are attractive to anyone.

This is certainly NOT good for property values. As people flock to Assembly Row and Union Square, they avoid Medford Square unless absolutely necessary. While the restaurants have helped, the City needs to do something to assist with the empty storefronts, rapidly deteriorating properties, rubble, growing graffiti, etc., and create something that will really draw people in to our historically important community.

Sincerely,

William McAdoo
http://www.thebostonfoodie.blogspot.com