Mazen said he especially hopes to attract innovative businesses to the developer-owned and university-owned spaces that often remain vacant—a trend he partly attributed to the City Council, business associations, and universities not communicating enough.
Cambridge needs a “framework that is friendly to local business with grant programs,” Mazen said. “Unless we more clearly exclude formula businesses, we're going to see a lot of fast food and a lot of formula restaurants.”
Other candidates echoed a desire to prevent formulaic chain stores from entering the Square and instead foster a balance between local and national businesses. They said they hope for a practical combination of diverse, eclectic stores and traditional businesses such as banks and pharmacies.
“The mix of businesses is really important,” McGovern said. “Having small, locally-owned businesses and larger chain businesses is good. The reality is that you need a place to bank.”
Harvard Square still boasts a diverse set of businesses: burger joints, hardware stores, and even a shop dedicated to honey-themed products and another to hemp clothing.
Still, some candidates noted glaring gaps. For example, Harvard Square’s 7-Eleven, which closed last year, was one of the few Square stores that sold basic foodstuffs.
“I love Tasty Burger, but I miss 7-Eleven,” McGovern said. “Where do you go to buy a coke in Harvard Square or—god forbid—munchies at 2 a.m.? That’s a loss.”
McGovern and House both said they hoped that Harvard Square might eventually see a convenient, reasonably-priced grocery store that could cater to local residents.
Some candidates suggested that the increase in the tourism industry in Harvard Square has led businesses that serve local residents to fall by the wayside.
Candidate Elie Yarden remembered when The Harvard Coop was a department store that carried a variety of goods.
“Now it’s taken up by Harvard souvenirs,” he said. “Tourism is an important industry, but it shouldn’t be only tourists. The stores here should also supply the needs of the community.”
McGovern also commented on the prevalence of tourists in Harvard Square. To McGovern, striking balance requires accommodating the needs of locals and tourists alike.
“This is obviously the tourist center,” McGovern said. “That has to be taken into account. You have to make sure that people feel safe and welcome in a destination spot.”
RENT REFORM
Kendall Square, an area of Cambridge that has recently undergone a massive redevelopment push, changed zoning bylaws to accommodate smaller businesses that sometimes struggle to afford the rent on massive properties. The altered zoning requirements have particularly encouraged mixed-use development.
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