Community Corner

Boulevard Reconstruction Starts on Positive Note

The first day of construction was basically stress-free business owners said, regardless of the fencing outside many stores.

The much-anticipated Brookline Boulevard Reconstruction Project began Monday, and despite the fencing and barriers, Boulevard shops are open for business.

Construction starts at the intersection of Brookline Boulevard and Pioneer Avenues, and extends beyond the Pitaland storefront.

The construction scene, with chain-link fences and cement barriers in front of many stores, looks a bit intimidating, but Geekadrome owner Paul Drabick said he’s not worried about his business.

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“I know some customers will probably end up not coming in as frequently, but I think most will probably just park down the street and walk a little further,” he said.

Drabick said Michael Facchiano Contracting is allowing him to hang a banner on the chain-link fence advertising that Geekadrome is still open. He hopes that will make customers aware that the store is open normal hours and will hold normally scheduled events, even during construction.

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“If anything, we may put in a few more hours to accommodate people who can’t get here as easily,” he said.

Further down the Boulevard, Vinny’s Pizza and Pasta owner Anvar Gafuroe said he planned to make the best of the situation.

Gafuroe said normally about 50 customers per day pick up orders from the shop, but Monday was unusually slow. He said it’s much too early to tell how his business will be affected by the construction, but the shop will continue to be open normal hours.

“The customers can’t park, but this work, they have to do it,” he said. “We will see what happens.”

A few doors down, at Pitaland, Greg Tweardy said construction seems to be on schedule and running smoothly—on the Boulevard and inside the store.

Pitaland is undergoing its own indoor renovation to add a lunch cafe. Tweardy will serve as executive chef and manager of the cafe. Click here to read about the project.

The store is still open for business while both construction projects take place. Inside the store, the café is still on track to open at the end of the month.

The following businesses and organizations are behind the barrier, but are still open:

  • American Legion Post 540
  • Lovely Hands Massage
  • The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
  • Jo’s Salon
  • Moonlite Café
  • Cell Phones and More
  • Geekadrome
  • No Name Luncheonette
  • Boulevard Barber Shop
  • Zippy’s Saloon
  • Kribel’s Bakery
  • Tisha’s Diner
  • U.S. Post Office
  • Betz Auto Works
  • Mazza Shoes
  • Vinny’s Pizza and Pasta
  • Pitaland

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