an inaccurate email from Newton’s Mayor
“To the upper Falls commission I want to say I’m grateful for all you to do make the Upper Falls village a wonderful place to live, to work, to have fun, and to dine.I read carefully your detailed, thoughtful and heartfelt email about Little Luke’s Café and Mr. Emmanuel when it arrived on August 1. Our team had been paying close attention to the construction project on a daily basis since it began and to Little Luke’s Café in particular. Throughout the construction period, the project had a Resident Engineer on site daily. The Resident Engineer purchased lunch regularly at Little Luke’s and intentionally kept in regular communication with the owner and employees about project activities and schedule. Our Economic Development Director and our DPW Construction Liaison also checked in with Mr. Emmanuel.
‘…The City was careful to maintain safe, easy pedestrian access to Little Luke’s throughout the construction period when they were open…’
There was an unforeseen one week delay on the corner where Little Luke’s was located. Otherwise, the schedule stayed on track. That said, I understand that construction is difficult for businesses, including for Little Luke’s Café.
As we have communicated directly to Mr. Emmanuel, the City does not provide financial payments to businesses related to construction projects.
The project is nearing completion, with paving in the intersection completed yesterday, August 14. There remains some items to still complete, such as adjusting the traffic signals and site cleanup. The project remains on target for full completion on the schedule that has been publicly shared. Pettee Square looks terrific. I’m so glad we envisioned these improvements and together made it happen. I believe the improvements in the Square will be a boon to restaurants and area businesses and wonderful for the Upper Falls community. We share your strong support for our small local brick-and-mortar businesses. That’s a major part of why we undertook the Pettee Square project: to provide a more attractive and comfortable Square for people to visit and do business in.
I look forward to joining the Newton Upper Falls Area Council for a meeting in the coming months. Northland is requesting some changes; I’d like to hear your input. Plus, I would welcome more feedback on the Pettee Square project and any thoughts on “lessons learned.”
Warmly,
Ruthanne (Fuller, Mayor of Newton, MA)”