Laurel McConvilleBoston, MA, United States
Mar 6, 2026
Councilor FitzGerald & Councilor Flynn Statement on the Closure of Foodies
March 4, 2026
At today’s Council meeting, we filed a text amendment to the zoning code to maintain a retail grocery store at the Foodie’s site on Washington Street in the South End.
The South End depends on active retail storefronts to support walkability, public safety, and vibrant streets. For many, this store has been a lifeline as a reliable source of fresh food and an essential part of daily life in the neighborhood, including thousands of neighbors living in public housing at Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Ruth Barkley Apartments (Cathedral), affordable housing at IBA’s Villa Victoria and Castle Square Apartment Complex, and those without access to a car.
With areas in proximity to BHA public housing or affordable housing, access to daily necessities and fresh food is especially critical given the high cost of living and delivery fees. This loss raises serious concerns about hunger and food accessibility, especially for our seniors and working families. Many workers are also South End residents, women, and nearby neighbors from communities of color.
This issue is about Boston committing to main streets engagement and local priorities. It’s also critical that the City emphasizes local services and amenities that our communities rely on in the development process, and that neighbors make it a priority to invest in the charm of their neighborhoods by shopping local, instead of defaulting to the convenience of delivery.
In recent years, some text amendments originated by the Boston City Council have been taken up by the Boston Zoning Commission, while others have not. As a result, we respectfully ask that our colleagues, the City Administration and the Planning Department, and the City of Boston Zoning Commission take the concerns of our constituents seriously with this amendment.
It is critical that South End residents and civic groups continue to stay engaged and advocate with us on this amendment so that we can make a grocery store at this site a top priority for the City of Boston.
March 4, 2026
At today’s Council meeting, we filed a text amendment to the zoning code to maintain a retail grocery store at the Foodie’s site on Washington Street in the South End.
The South End depends on active retail storefronts to support walkability, public safety, and vibrant streets. For many, this store has been a lifeline as a reliable source of fresh food and an essential part of daily life in the neighborhood, including thousands of neighbors living in public housing at Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Ruth Barkley Apartments (Cathedral), affordable housing at IBA’s Villa Victoria and Castle Square Apartment Complex, and those without access to a car.
With areas in proximity to BHA public housing or affordable housing, access to daily necessities and fresh food is especially critical given the high cost of living and delivery fees. This loss raises serious concerns about hunger and food accessibility, especially for our seniors and working families. Many workers are also South End residents, women, and nearby neighbors from communities of color.
This issue is about Boston committing to main streets engagement and local priorities. It’s also critical that the City emphasizes local services and amenities that our communities rely on in the development process, and that neighbors make it a priority to invest in the charm of their neighborhoods by shopping local, instead of defaulting to the convenience of delivery.
In recent years, some text amendments originated by the Boston City Council have been taken up by the Boston Zoning Commission, while others have not. As a result, we respectfully ask that our colleagues, the City Administration and the Planning Department, and the City of Boston Zoning Commission take the concerns of our constituents seriously with this amendment.
It is critical that South End residents and civic groups continue to stay engaged and advocate with us on this amendment so that we can make a grocery store at this site a top priority for the City of Boston.
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