Roche Bros. grocery proposed for 240 Elm Street; Meeting September 10

[ron_newman]

According to a Facebook post from Alderman-at-Large Jack Connolly, Roche Bros. proposes to open a grocery store in the former Social Security Building, 240 Elm Street. They will hold an on-site meeting to discuss this on Wednesday, September 10 at 6 pm.

Roche Bros. is a local family-owned supermarket chain whose current locations are mostly in the beyond-128 suburbs. They are now building their first urban store in the former Filene's Basement space in Downtown Crossing.

I really hope this happens. I think it suits Davis Square's needs better than the previous World of Beer and Beer Works proposals.

ETA: Based on the illustration that Jack provided, what they actually seem to be proposing is a new sub-brand of smaller Roche stores called "Brothers Marketplace", whose first location opened in Weston a few months ago. Their Facebook page is more informative than their rather skeletal website.

Comments

Re: Delivery Truck Routes

[ron_newman]

As a resident of Day Street, I'm a bit concerned about the deteriorating pavement quality of my street. Though I'm willing to trade that off for better access to groceries (we already have the farmers' market trucks using our streets).

RE: Re: Delivery Truck Routes

[sheldonave.livejournal.com]

Holland Street residents would be happy if others would share the burden.

Delivery truck traffic on Holland Street has become almost unbearable the last few years. The street is full of potholes and the trucks seem to get bigger and deliver at all times of the day. Cambridge has shut down all feeder street access from Mass Ave including Beech St, so even trucks that delivery at the Porter Star Market arrive via Holland.

Somerville needs to set up some kind of delivery truck task force to work with the business community and set limits on the size of trucks along with delivery routes and times.