Concord's Culinary Transformation: Elm Street's Evolving Dining Landscape

Concord, a picturesque New England town, is undergoing a culinary renaissance as two major development projects on Elm Street promise to bring a diverse array of dining and drinking options to the community. While these new establishments aim to enhance the town's vibrancy, they also raise concerns about the potential impact on the already congested traffic patterns in the area.

Revitalizing Concord's Dining Scene: A Delectable Opportunity

Dunkin' Reimagined: A Cozy Destination for Concord Residents

Concord developer Mark Pesce has set his sights on transforming the former Asian Gourmet restaurant site into a new Dunkin' location that promises to be more than just a typical coffee shop. Pesce, the proprietor of MAP Holdings, a company that owns dozens of Dunkin' shops in the Greater Boston area, is determined to create a space that seamlessly integrates with Concord's historic charm.The new Dunkin' store will feature a white clapboard exterior with brick accents, mirroring the town's architectural aesthetic. Inside, the space will offer cozy couch seating, while the covered wraparound porch will be adorned with Adirondack chairs, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for patrons. Megan Pesce, Mark's wife and an interior designer, emphasizes the goal of turning a traditional Dunkin' Donuts into a "destination" that caters to the community's needs.Notably, the new Dunkin' location will not include a drive-thru, a decision that aims to encourage a more leisurely and community-focused experience for visitors.

The Papa Razzi Renaissance: A Vibrant Neighborhood Center

Across the street, Crosspoint Associates is spearheading the development of a 15,000-square-foot "neighborhood center" on the site of the former Papa Razzi trattoria. This new plaza will house a diverse array of businesses, including Chipotle, Starbucks, Sally's Apizza, and Citizens Bank.Kerry McCormack, the director of development at Crosspoint, expresses excitement about the project, stating, "We are excited to bring this project to life and create a vibrant destination for the residents and visitors of Concord." The development team is working closely with the Planning Board to address various aspects of the project, such as exterior lighting, parking, and waste disposal, with the goal of starting construction in the next two to three months.Sustainability is a key focus for the Crosspoint project, which will feature EV charging stations, a solar roof, and an all-electric HVAC system. Additionally, the developers have made a conscious effort to preserve the site's historical elements, including the iconic cupola and weathervane that once adorned the HoJos restaurant that stood on the property for decades.

Navigating the Traffic Conundrum: Balancing Growth and Congestion

While the prospect of new dining and drinking options has generated excitement among some Concord residents, the potential impact on the already congested traffic patterns has raised concerns among others, particularly those living on or near Elm Street.Nearby resident Carol Bearse expresses her apprehension, stating, "This will cause even more traffic than we already have on Elm Street." Bearse notes that the traffic is often backed up from the rotary to the top of the hill, making it challenging for westbound travel on Route 2 or 2A, especially before 3 p.m.Neighbor Linda Chin echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive urban planning before embracing the increased business presence. Chin cites the "increase in pedestrian presence" near the rotary as a potential concern, as well as the environmental impact of the "pollution from stop-and-go commuter traffic on Route 2 and Elm Street, and exhaust from the diesel-powered commuter rail."A recently released study of the Route 2 corridor, conducted for the state Department of Transportation, has highlighted the serious and worsening traffic issues in and around the Concord rotary. The public is invited to provide feedback on the study's findings through an online portal until July 25, offering an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.As Concord's culinary landscape evolves, the town must strike a delicate balance between embracing new dining and drinking options and addressing the pressing transportation challenges that threaten to undermine the community's quality of life. The success of these development projects will hinge on the town's ability to implement comprehensive solutions that prioritize the needs of both residents and visitors alike.