June 10, 2010

By Deirdra Dostou

Mural to chocolate shop, art strolls to grocery store, West Broadway continues to blossom back into its main street roots

The main street has continued to grow as local business owners and real estate developers invest. Edible Arrangements has had their grand opening at the new 284 West Broadway development. Bill Hartford’s “Runners Emporium” has enjoyed a steady and growing 9 months of business. Foodie’s full service grocery store set for an opening for later this year.

Donna Brown, Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation explained, “We want to be able to show landlords and prospective business owners that people have the income to spend. We’re trying to encourage landlords to rent”.

Brown continued the good bones and business structure of West Broadway has been continually improving both through local businesses and residents beautification. “Dan McCole did that great mural with the Young At Arts youth. There are some great things happening”. In addition to the mural, Brown mused. “The kids will be starting flower planting after the 4th of July weekend. In the meantime I’m the head gardener”. 

Toya Ferrar, manager of the recently opened Edible Arrangements new location on West Broadway explained her motivation to set up at the new location, “I was really inspired by the picturesque scenery here and the whole revitalization happening. I really enjoy giving back to the South Boston community because they have given so much to me in the past 2 ½ years”. 

Runner’s Emporium Bill Hartford explained business has been steady. “I’ve been doing pretty well as far as the business goes. This filled a niche that everyone needed. It’s been doing fine because everyone despite the economy people keep running”.

“I’ve always wanted to open a sweet place” explained Blue Marble Chocolate Café owner Jennifer Turner who continues to be pleased with the growing business since opening 2 months ago. “There are so many bakeries I thought it might be good to open a specialty place. As long as the word has been getting out people have come from all over South Boston. I get a lot of neighbors.”

Brown continued, “I’d like to engage more business owners and land owners to think about what they would like West Broadway to look like. I’d like to even get a part time person to work with new business owners and encouraging them to take advantage of the city money that is available. It can be used for help with new signage or to cover relocation costs”.

Brown and Dan McCole, President of the South Boston Arts Association are planning a second West Broadway Art Stroll on Saturday, June 19th from 11AM-1PM. “We hope to see more life on the street because more people are living here. At the last art stroll we had 12 artists in different locations but we would like to expand that. We are looking for artists and businesses to host artists.”

For more information on the upcoming South Boston Art Stroll or on West Broadway business development please contact Donna Brown at the South Boston Neighborhood development Corporation at (617) 268-9610.