Déjà vu
Déjà vu
Like me, you’re probably feeling anxious about the rising numbers of COVID cases on the Cape and across the nation.
Like me, you’re also probably worried about what’s coming next. Are you wearing your mask again? Or wondering if you should?
Are you wondering if it's time to reinstate any protocols at your workplace? Have you, yet again, pushed back when you'll be reopening your office?
What are your customers saying?
Delta is ready where we aren't
Some states and municipalities nationwide are once again tightening restrictions.
Costco has reversed plans to end its senior shopping hours.
And I really thought I was done writing sentences like this next one:
Health officials in Boston are recommending that anyone who has been in Provincetown since July 1 be tested for COVID-19, self-isolate, and avoid gatherings for at least five days, regardless of vaccination status.
One week ago today, Gov. Charlie Baker declined to identify a specific infection threshold where he would become concerned enough to take action, according to State House News.
Baker was due to return from his trip to Aspen yesterday. It will be worth watching to see if he has anything to say today about current COVID trends – or steps the state might take.
All eyes on England’s ‘experiment’
If you’re looking to understand what could – or should – come next, don't look to P-Town. Look to the U.K.
Unlike places like Massachusetts where restrictions were cautiously lifted as case counts declined, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted all restrictions Monday, even as cases there surge.
Two-thirds of adults are fully vaccinated in the U.K (compared with 60% in the U.S.) yet Britain is experiencing 50,000 daily COVID cases, more than Brazil, India, Indonesia or South Africa.
But Johnson and his scientific advisers believe vaccinations and immunity from past infections will bring the U.K. close to the point of herd immunity. They’re betting COVID can be relegated to the status of a manageable, seasonal menace such as the flu.
The plan has been met with criticism from many public-health experts, in the U.K. and internationally.
Still nations with advanced economies with high vaccination are watching Johnson’s experiment closely, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Public wants to keep outdoor dining, bring back happy hour
New Repertory Theatre suspends operations
This news broke my heart yesterday: New Repertory Theatre in Watertown has suspended all operations effective yesterday.
“As with many cultural institutions, the COVID-19 pandemic led to fiscal challenges for the New Repertory Theatre,” read a statement from the company.
“Additionally, our performance venue, the Mosesian Center for the Arts, is undergoing renovations, which adds to the COVID-related uncertainty we are already experiencing regarding mounting in-person performances in the near future. With these challenges in mind, the Board of Directors of the New Repertory Theatre has made the decision to suspend operations until we determine next steps for the organization.
“We have informed the staff of this decision and the reasons for the suspension. We appreciate their hard work during these challenging times and the support of our patrons, and will provide more information about our operating plans in the next few weeks.”
Public wants to keep outdoor dining, bring back happy hour
Working from home has put a crimp on the long-standing tradition of meeting for drinks after work.
But people still seem to like the idea. Lisa Kashinsky at Politico reports that 70 percent of Massachusetts residents would support reinstating happy hours at bars and restaurants, allowing discounted after-work drinks again.
Only 20% oppose the idea, according to a MassINC Polling Group survey.
MassINC’s poll also showed overwhelming support for keeping expanded outdoor dining permanent — even if it comes at the expense of parking.
Seventy-two percent support reducing the number of parking spaces to make room for outdoor dining. Only 19% are against it.
A majority of respondents also support making to-go alcoholic cocktails permanent.
Comings (and no goings)
Only good news this week…..
- The owners of the Four Spoons Thai restaurant in Newton are set to open a sister location in Needham. "Little Spoon" will be located at 952 Great Plain Ave in Needham Center, next door to Sweet Basil. (Wicked Local Needham)
- Cafe Martin is planning to open at the site of the former West Street Tavern in Nonantum. Boston Restaurant Talk says the “upcoming spot will be very much like that of the old West Street Tavern & Restaurant and that it could be opening in late September.”
- Tim Johnson of Watertown plans to open Vitality Bowls -- a superfood café specializing in açaí bowls and smoothies – at both Arsenal Yards in Watertown and on Mass. Ave in Cambridge. (Watertown Tab)
Dine Local, Give Local – YPG event benefits Pathway to Possible
The chamber’s Young Professionals Group gathered at Baramor in Newton Centre for a networking happy hour last week to kick off a return to in person programming, raising over $350 to benefit Pathway to Possible, a chamber member nonprofit that provides housing, support, and advocacy for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families in Newton and Wellesley.
Open to any area professional between the ages of 21 and 40, our Young Professionals Group provides opportunities for professionals under 40 to network, foster professional development and engage in community activism.
For more information about how you – or your employees can get involved – or to sign up to receive notifications for upcoming events, contact Katherine Herer.
New interactive maps track Newton projects and paving
The City of Newton has unveiled two interactive maps that will allow us to monitor projects happening across the city.
One map provides details on a variety of projects.. Another shows recent and current street paving projects.
New Arsenal on the Charles plan approved
Alexandria Real Estate Equities has received approval from Watertown’s Planning Board for its Arsenal on the Charles master plan, including three new buildings, writes Watertown News’ Charlie Breitrose who also posts several renderings.
The amendment includes two, new four-story buildings with about 100,000 sq. ft. for life science research and development, and a 7,000 sq. ft., one-story addition to the West Garage.
And speaking of life sciences
Join us at 11 a.m. this morning for a panel discussion looking at the conversions of office to lab space.
Our expert panel, will share their experiences with lab conversions and discuss what makes a building a candidate for conversion, the costs, what tenants need, and their success stories.
And that’s today’s Need to Knows, unless you need to know if Mary’s dress “waved” or “swayed” as she danced across the porch as the radio played.
Be back tomorrow,
President, Newton-Needham Regional Chamber
617-244-1688
Your chamber is here when you need us.
Powered By GrowthZone