Will Outdoor Dining Return To Waltham's Moody Street In 2023?

WALTHAM, MA — Moody Street has been a haven for outdoor dining and evening outings for the past three years. Will outdoor dining return for 2023? Technically, it's yet to be determined.

A Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on March 30 in the Government Center auditorium to discuss two proposals for making the street a pedestrian zone and clearing the way for outdoor dining to return.

One proposal would simply implement the same plan from the past three years, creating a pedestrian zone between Pine Street and High Street, with the block between Walnut St and Chestnut St open to traffic.

The other proposal would make the section of Moody Street from Pine to High Streets a southbound one-way from Sundays at 7 p.m. until Thursdays at 4 p.m. All of Moody Street would be closed from Thursday at 4 p.m. to Sunday at 7 p.m., including Pine and High Streets.

At a recent Traffic Commission meeting, Ward 9 Councilor — and mayoral hopeful — Jonathan Paz presented a proposal that would eliminate these yearly meetings and launch a three-year pilot plan for a "Summer Moody Market".

"The pedestrianized model has been tried and proven for the past three years. Rather than restart the process, we can build upon what’s worked and address problems proactively," the proposal read.

"By committing to a 3 year plan, we are enabling businesses, Commuters, residents, and first responders to develop plans, and best practices and iterate on them, without worrying about it being wasted effort next year."

Paz's model would utilize the first option presented above, and the one that's proven effective for Waltham since 2020.

What the new commitment to the summer market allows the city to do, he said, is to collect data on preferences, public health impacts and financial viability.

This proposal and more will be discussed at the upcoming meeting, which will give local residents and businesses the opportunity to add input as city officials begin the initial steps of the process.