Center Traffic Plan Continues to Divide

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Winthrop Center has had a lot of attention in the past few months, from infrastructure work to the master plan and now with the pilot traffic study, residents and business owners are talking about the center.

For those who work and do business in the center the issue of change revolves around communication with officials, parking, customer service and trash pick-up. While the town center is in the midst of a traffic study that could help determine the future of the center, business owners wonder how they’ll survive.

Right now, because of the study, businesses have no parking in front of or in close proximity to their front door. Salon Luxo, Lily’s Nails and Spa, Western Union, the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, a financial planner, an insurance company, attorney and the Winthrop Professional Building all must find parking elsewhere.

Right now because of the pilot study there has been a debatable number of parking spots lost in the center, anywhere from 25 to 50 depending on whom you talk to. Customers admit they have had to find another spot in the center or park and the rink or the lot below the EB Newton School.

But there are also those in town who like the idea of possibly having a pedestrian-only area in Frenchman Square and Hagman Road.

“I think it adds a cool feel. I think there is plenty of parking,” said pedestrian Nick Camacho. “Winthrop is small enough to walk.”

But Phong Nguyen, of Lily’s Nails and Spa said he has been in business for a year and the lack of street access has also impacted his trash pick-up. Nguyen used to pay for a trash service to pick up on Hagman Road, now he takes his trash home to dispose of it. There is also concern about how businesses in the closed off area will get their supplies. While his shop was busy last week, he is concerned about any long-term effects.

One business owner said she didn’t want to be quoted but she’s heard arguments on both sides.

“Walking is a good thing,” said Chuck Newmar. “Everything is in walking distance.”

Richard DiMento, who’s been in Winthrop all his life, is not thrilled with the idea and is concerned about the traffic back-ups on Jefferson Street, of people exciting the center area via Jefferson.

“It’s not necessary. People have to work and this is not bringing in business,” he said sitting  outside Cafe Delite.

“I’m not opposed to it if more businesses come in, like restaurants,” said Carolyn Fucillo, adding that she’s heard people would prefer to stay away.

Business owners Steve and Amanda Koutalakis of Sandy Paws have a business where people stop quickly, drop off their dog for grooming or day care and leave. Customers now have to park down the street and the quick drop off is non-existent. But the biggest complaint was about communication from the town and officials.

“Customers have definitely complained,” Steve Koutalakis said. “There’s no signage for driving and none for parking. And parking outside the center has a two-hour time limit, so where are employees supposed to park?”

Cars in the center and at the lots off Pauline Street have been getting warnings that look like a parking ticket to educate them about 2-hour parking.

“We want to make sure customers come back,” said Steve Koutalakis.