The View From Prospect Hill for July 7

On July 7, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

The
vacant Star Market on Broadway stands as a testament to how serious
this recession has been in Somerville. After a run of relative
prosperity, times in Somerville are hard again – an empty parcel of
land in a bustling commercial district is the proof.

Before
Star Market closed in 2007, that stretch of Broadway in Winter Hill
buzzed with consumers and commercial activity. All day, the grocery
store brought people in and out of the neighborhood – people who were
also spending money at nearby businesses.

Almost immediately after the closing, surrounding business owners began to complain of a significant drop in profits.

That's
no reason to rush a tenant in, however. The Ocean State Job Lot and Jim
Cohen, the owner of the space, are trying to push the closeout store
into the spot. Some neighbors are supportive, saying the empty lot
attracts trouble, but most oppose Ocean State Job Lot.

Whatever
business fills the open spot at 299 Broadway will be Winter Hill's
economic anchor. Somerville can do better than Ocean State Job Lot.