In 2009 Magoun Square residents were briefed on proposed revitalization plans. Today there is still much to be accomplished. - Photo by Beecher Tuttle

By Harry Kane

Magoun Square is an ethnically diverse neighborhood located off Medford Street in Somerville. During the most recent ResiStat Meeting for Ward 5 City Economic Development Planner, Brad Rawson, spoke about the challenges of revitalization in the undefined district. There is a lack of pedestrian oriented businesses, unattractive storefronts and inadequate exterior lighting. Of the 45-50 businesses in Magoun Sq. there are currently seven vacant storefronts. Of the 4500 people living in the Magoun Sq. neighborhood approximately 50 million dollars is spent outside of the vicinity. “This has to change. We need to move that spending back into Magoun Square,” commented Brad Rawson.

Brazilians run many of the restaurants and businesses on Medford Street. “There is a large Brazilian population in Magoun Sq.,” says Ernani Paganini, a Brazilian clerk at the Vision Arts Graphics store. “Many of them are illegal immigrants that are going back home.”  Business has been getting slow and places like the Copacabana, a Brazilian Fashion Store in the heart of the district, are now just empty storefronts. A worker at the Caprese Pizzeria n Grille says they’ve had a 20-30 percent drop in revenue so far this year.  Michael Meehan, the Director of Communications at City Hall says they are working to improve the area. “City Hall has its eye on Magoun Sq.”  Strategies going forward towards revitalizing the Magoun Sq. neighborhood include the Lowell Street Green Line station, a storefront improvement program, and the creation of destination businesses.